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Qy- t -CO 

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Some Account 

of 

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^ : 

The Life 



of 



Spencer Houghton Cone 

A Baptist Preacher 



In America. 




NEW YORK : 

Livermore & Rudd, Publishers, 

310 Broadway. 

1856. 

No./ 



^ 



6 



f^^■TER^^D Rcconling to Act of Confess, m the year 1856, by 

EDWARD W. CONE & SPENCER W. CONE, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York, 



W. II. TINSON, l.rKKKOTYPKB. 



/ 




PREFACE. 



The life of Spencer Houghton Cone must speak for itself. In 
attempting some account of it, we expressly recognize that a better, 
a more complete history, survives in its effect upon the country and 
time. *i which ^e lived, than can be given in the mere verbal record 
of particular actions. It has been our aim to tell with simplicity 
and truth the story of his life. It was a life of action, and one full 
of good purposes, many of which he lived to see brought to a 
happy issue. To narrate its events, and vrith such clearness and 
fidelity as our capacity allowed — present also his views of Christian, 
duty, doctrine, disciphne and practice — has been our only thought. 
We could bring to the work no skill or cunning of authorship, and 
could devote to it only such leisure as the brief intervals of business 
allowed. Many kind and able hands have been extended to aid us, 
however, and we please ourselves with the hope that their contri- 
butions will more than supply our deficiencies. His letters have 
been submitted to us, with very general kindness and promptitude ; 
and the extracts made from them, and from his public addresses, 
will be found, we think, to express unmistakably his sentiments and 
feelings upon every important point. To these, many of his "brethren 
beloved in the Lord," have added their testimony, and described 
those events^ and characteristics, with which they were more par- 
ticularly acquainted, with a warmth and eloquence it would scarcely 
have become us to use, had we been able to do so. Their love and 
goodness will be gratefully remembered whilst memory lasts. 

In some parts of the narrative it has been impossible to observe 
a strict chronological order. Many of the benevolent enterprises 
in which he was active were going forward at one time ; whilst 
clearness required that they should be treated of successively. 

Some repetitions may also be observed. These, it will be seen, 
we think, were in most cases also imavoidable. Expressions of the 



IV 



PEEFACE. 



same thonglit, almost inevitably occur in communications, from 
different quarters, referring to striking qualities of the same indi- 
vidual. We have made no effort to avoid this, nor could we have 
done so, without taking a liberty which we did not feel authorized 
to take. Indeed the desire to do this was wholly wanting. His 
praises are too grateful to us. 

In the following pages we have been caieful to make it plain to 
whom, and for how much, we are indebted. The reader of the 
Memoir will readily perceive that it would be impossible, in the 
limits of this prefatory notice, to name, and properly thank, all 
those whose affection for the man, and interest in the great objects 
to which his energies were so long devoted, have prompted them 
to assist us. 

New York, April lOth^ 1856. 



CONTENTS 



TAGS 



Chapter I. Influences, 7 

11. Childhood, . 15 

III. Boyhood, . 21 

IV. Youth, 41 

y. 1810-11-12, 64 

YI. 1813-14-15-16, 84 

YII. The War, 104 

VIII. Foes Without and Fears Within, . . . .131 

IX. Alexandria, 140 

X. Catharine and Eliza Cone, . . . . . .180 

XI. Leaving Virginia, 197 

XII. Kew York, 215 

XIII. 1823 to 1830, 235 

XIV. 1830 to 1841, 247 

XV. The First Baptist Church in the City of New York, . 259 

XVI. 1841 to 1845, 275 

XVII. Foreic:n Mission?, 299 

XVIII. The Bible and the American Bible Society, . . 814 

XIX. The American and Foreign Bible Society, . . . 848 

XX. ReTised English Version and Eyents of 1849-50, . 866 

XXI. The American Bible Union, 886 

XXII. His Conduct to Young Preachers — Directions — Advice 

— Views of Christian Character, Faith and Practice, 414 

XXIII. The Last Year, 447 

XXIV. Love Stronger than Death, . ' 461 

XXV. The End, 470 

Appendix, 479 



TO 



THE BAPTISTS OF AMERICA 



THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, 



BY THE SOXS OF 



SPENCEE HOUGHTON CONE 



CHAPTEE I 



INFLUENCES. 



I HAYE undertaken to write my father's life. Many 
of his best friends have urged me to do so. They say 
that although his public life, in all its parts and acts, is 
known to many thousands, and written everywhere in the 
History of the Denomination for which he labored near 
half a century, none living, but his own children, know 
the home life — his daily walk and conversation, and 
what in him was every hour good and worthy to be 
recorded. No one else knows, as we know, the inner 
life, made up indeed of little things, but yet not trifles, 
which is the life of the heart. That part of a greatly 
good man's existence which the holy circle of family 
intercourse and duty and employment, bound and shut 
in from the common view of men ; the relaxation and 
unbending of the mind ; the resting of the soul amongst 
ordinary things, to which it yet communicates some- 
thing of its own higher character, and invests with a 
beauty and significance beyond their nature — who else 
could know so well ? 

His friends and ours tell us this ; and it is true. "We 
knew him altogether ; for his home was a happy one. 
Gentle and happy there himself; always cheerful, 
always sympathizing, always even-tempered, his coming 
in brought pleasure and bright looks, and his brief 
absences left an empty place, in house and heart, we 
never knew how to fill. 



8 LIFE OF SPENCER HOTiaHTON CONE. 

And so, to please those to whom he was dear in this 
world, and who are looking cheerfully forward to a 
renewal of their intercourse with him in a world where 
there is no sorrow and no death ; and not with the vain 
idea of doing justice to the subject, or of adding any- 
thing to the fame of his virtues, or the appreciation of 
his services, I will try, with my brother's help, and that 
of other good friends to his memory, to write down all 
we know of him. 

It may not be w^ell done, but it will be done faithfully 
and lovingly ; and if it lack that close analysis of 
motive, or nice comparison of strength and weakness, 
faults and virtues, which colder judgments might be 
capable of, our apology is that we are his children, and 
lived too near him, and were too proud of him to look 
for blemishes, or indeed if we had looked to be able to 
see anything but a daily beauty in his life. We are 
excused in this, too, by the common testimony of all who 
knew him, since from his childhood up he produced the 
same effect even upon his ordinary acquaintance, so that 
hardly any desired to find fault with him or remembered 
him unkindly. We must think then, and it is a happy 
thought, a thought full of inspiration, that we are telling 
the story of his life to a circle of friends too interested to 
be critical, too kind to be exacting. He had enemies, 
and opponents. It was impossible he should escape. 
All greatness and all goodness stir up against them- 
selves, by a law of nature, the envy of mean minds — 
the hate of evil ones. But we do not write for either, 
and their censure or their praise is alike indifferent. 
" In the great hand of God he stood :" and with that 
master who never forsook him living, we leave his 
memory. 

We Americans have not much faith in blood or ances- 
try, and that of Spencer H. Cone is important only as 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOIJGHTOlSr CONE. 9 

showing with what little variation the character which 
made martyrs in Mary's time, and Republicans in Char- 
les the First's, was transmitted through several genera- 
tions. For w^e find that his paternal ancestor, Roger 
Conant, came to Massachusetts about the year 1620, and 
in 1625 (Hubbard, 102, 106-108) removed to Cape Ann, 
and engaged with one White, a minister of Dorchester, 
a Puritan, in the attempt to found a settlement. (Prince, 
224, 229, &c.) Of this Roger Conant Bancroft says 
(Vol. 1st, p. 339) : " Having already left New Plymouth 
for Nantucket, he (Conant) through a brother in Eng- 
land, who was a friend of White, obtained the agency 
of the adventure. A year's experience proved to the 
Company, that their speculation must change its form, 
.or it would produce no results ; the merchants, therefore, 
paid with honest liberality all the persons whom they had 
employed, and abandoned the unprofitable scheme. But 
Conant, a man of extraordinary vigor, ^' inspired as it 
were by some superior instinct," and confiding in the 
active friendship of White, succeeded in breathing a 
portion of his sublime courage into three of his compa- 
nions ; and making choice of Salem, as opening a con- 
venient place of refuge for the exiles for religion, they 
resolved to remain as the sentinels of Puritanism on the 
Bay of Massachusetts." 

In course of time, as the little bands of Pilgrims scat- 
tered around Boston Bay, grew strong, and pushed their 
pioneer settlements back into the land, the children of 
Roger Conant came to East Haddam, Connecticut, and 
there his father was born, and named after the stalwart 
old "Sentinel of Puritanism," Conant Cone. Three or 
four generations had lived and died between them, and 
the three companions in the city of refuge, the new 
Salem, had grown to well nigh three millions ; but the 
same stubborn determination, the same lofty and daring 

1^ 



10 LIFE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTON CONE. 

principles; robust products of a new world of energy 
and thought, had come down, with unbroken strength, 
from father to son. The Puritan fugitive of 1620 — the 
Independent, the despised Baptist hunted from the 
England of James the First, was the father of the 
sturdy Eepublican of 1776 ; the men predestinate, by 
God's high purpose, to sever from the England of George 
the Third her fairest colonies, and shaping the institu- 
tions of the new Republic after the model of a Baptist 
Church, indelibly impress upon them the character of 
its divine Democracy. 

Conant Cone inherited all the principles, and much of 
the "extraordinary vigor" of the ancestor after whom 
he was named. Well-formed, athletic, expert in all 
manly exercises, and a master of his weapon — the first 
struggle of the Colonies with Great Britain found him 
in the field. His face was eminently handsome ; and I 
have often heard my mother say that, although the severe 
wounds he had received, and especially a bullet lodged 
above the knee, rendered walking painful and laborious 
to him, his carriage was the most soldierly, and his man- 
ners the most polished and delightful of any man she had 
ever seen. His voice was one of great compass and 
sweetness, and he had a remarkable natural gift of elo- 
quence — so much so, that he was constantly called 
upon, at the funerals in the neighborhood where he 
lived, to speak at the grave words of honor to the dead 
and consolation to the living. 

He was born in East Haddam, Connecticut. Why, 
or when he left there we have never heard. Probably 
no graver motive impelled him than the time-honored 
one which pushed many of our hardy ancestors across 
unknown seas, and still makes the furthest corners of the 
world pay their daily tribute of admiration to American 
enterprise. Yankee restlessness, and Yankee craving 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 11 

after the new and untried were as strong then, as now. 
For these reasons, no donbt, he came away to New Jer- 
sey and, settling in Hunterdon county, married there 
the daughter of Colonel Joab Houghton. This Joab 
Houghton was one of those who first began to take 
the measures against the royal government which 
resulted, during the year 1776, in the organization of the 
Provincial Congress of New Jersey, and the arrest by 
Colonel Heard of the Eoyal Governor (Franklin) who 
was afterwards handed over, by order of the Continental 
Congress sitting at Philadelphia, to the custody of Gov- 
ernor Trumbull of Connecticut. (Life of Lord Stirling.) 
Joab Houghton was also amongst the first appointments 
of field officers made by New Jersey in the contingent 
raised for the army of the United Colonies — and when 
a State Government was erected, by the choice of repre- 
sentatives to the two houses of " Council " and " Assem- 
bly," and the election of Livingston as Governor, he was 
one of the first members of Assembly returned from 
the County of Hunterdon. It was in old Hopewell 
Baptist meeting-house where Conant Cone and Alice 
Houghton alike worshipped, and where they were 
immersed, that Joab Houghton received the first news 
of the Battle of Lexington, and the defeat of the Earl 
of Northumberland, the haughty descendant of the hero 
of Chevy-Chase, by the half-armed yeomanry of New 
England. Stilling the breathless messenger, he sat 
quietly through the services, and when they were ended 
passed out, and mounting the great stone block in front 
of the meeting-house, beckoned to the people to stop. 
Men and women paused to hear, curious to know what 
so unusual a sequel to the service of the day could mean. 
At the first words a silence, stern as death, fell over all. 
The Sabbath quiet of the hour and the place was deep* 
ened into a terrible solemnity. He told them all the 



12 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTO]^ CONE. 

story of the cowardly murder at Lexington by the royal 
troops ; the heroic vengeance following hard upon it — ■ 
the retreat of Percy ; the gathering of the children of 
the Pilgrims round the beleaguered hills of Boston. Then 
pausing, and looking over the silent crowd — he said 
slowly: "Men of New Jersey, the red coats are murder- 
ing our brethren of New England ! — Who follows me 
to Boston?" And every man of that audience stepped 
out into line, and answered, " I !" There was not a 
coward nor a traitor in old Hopewell meeting-house 
that day. 

On the same spot, Spencer H. Cone lived to preach. 
We were children then, and not more impressionable than 
others of the same age, but we remember that his preach- 
ing in that place had a peculiar effect upon us, and that 
he preached if possible with more than his usual fervor. 
At that time, which must have been somewhere about 
1825, one of his grandfather's brothers, William Hough- 
ton, still lived on one of the farms about seven miles 
from Hopewell meeting-house, and many of the old 
friends yet lingered around the spot ; the majority, how- 
ever, had long before emigrated to Kentucky and other 
parts of the great West. Old Major Morford, one of his 
father's companions in arms, was still postmaster at 
Princeton : or if not, had but lately been succeeded by his 
daughter, Fanny Morford, who was appointed, at his death, 
Postmaster^ by Andrew Jackson, as a mark of respect 
for her father's services. The old hero never let slip such 
an opportunity, and was not to be turned aside from 
caring for the war-worn patriot or his child, by any such 
little anomaly as making a postmaster of a woman. 
Nor in that case could he have made a better choice, for 
Miss Fanny discharged the duties of her office to the 
satisfaction of all the little world of Princeton, whether 
students or townsmen, and the post-pffipe was for years 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 13 

one of the pleasantest and best-ordered gossiping places 
imaginable. 

These things cannot be irrelevant to Spencer H. Cone's 
life, since they always made a part of his thoughts. 
JSTay^ down to the latest period, so long as he could 
think at all, he loved to dwell upon the scenes of his 
childhood ; to recall the stirring period of the revolution, 
the graves of whose martyrs and heroes were yet green 
and freshly-heaped within his remembrance ; from 
whose battle-fields his father had come home, a scarred 
and broken soldier ruined in fortune and crushed in 
spirit, by the helplessness his wounds and privations had 
entailed upon him, to sit down amongst them ; and 
many of whose most romantic and striking incidents had 
occurred to his relatives, or the companions who had 
accompanied them to the field. For these his father's 
and grandfather's houses were chosen gathering-places ; 
there he listened to their stories of the camp, the march, 
and the battle-field ; the Tory's treason and the Whig's 
revenge — all the burning memories of that glorious 
drama of Freedom, in which many of them had acted 
no mean parts — and who can doubt that it was there 
he drunk into his childish heart that pure American 
feeling which never left him after, but growing with his 
growth, and strengthening with his strength, governed 
with a lofty sentiment of patriotism every act and period 
of his existence. These accidents of childhood gave a 
tone and color to his after life. 

The boy is father to the man. 

He learned his first lessons in life from the bronzed 
veterans of the Continental army, the heroes of Bunker 
Hill, Saratoga, and Yorktown; and his first childish 
-aspiration was for a field in which he too might act the 
hero. God gave him a glorious one. 

He had a thousand anecdotes and tales of those times 



14 LIFE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTON CONE. 

always fresh upon his tongue, and never wearied of 
recalling tliem. A single incident, however, connected 
with himself must close this introductory chapter. 

His father had been brought, by some of the circum- 
stances of the war, under the particular and favorable 
notice of the Commander-in-Chief; he had acted as 
guide during the retreat into the " Short hills " of New 
Jersey, and his intimate knowledge of the country was 
principally instrumental in enabling the General to con- 
duct it with the necessary celerity. Transferred to the 
commissariat, and charged especially with the purchase 
of iron, and material for the smith work, and the super- 
vision of part of the work itself, he had come more 
frequently in contact with him than his grade would, 
under other circumstances, have permitted. Like almost 
all who were privileged to know the " Father of his 
Country," he felt for him a sentiment little short of 
adoration. After the war, therefore, when President 
Washington was making the progress through the ISTorth- 
ern and Middle States, during which triumphal arches, 
and almost worship, everywhere saluted him, Conant Cone 
took his baby Spencer in his arms, and went out to meet 
his General, and when Washington saw him, he stopped 
his horse, and taking the baby in his arms, he kissed, and 
blessed him. 

The blessing of George Washington ! It was no mean 
fortune for an American to^'enter life with. But God 
blessed him more abundantly. To the father he gave 
the high honor of a soldier of freedom in the contest 
for political Independence : to the son the highest of 
all honors — to be a soldier of the Cross, a captain of the 
Lord's host, an unflinching defender of the indepen- 
dence of the churches. 



LIFE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTON CONE. 15 



CHAPTEE II. 



CHILDHOOD. 



Spencer Houghton Cone was born in Princeton, ITew 
Jersey, April 30tli, 1785. 

At that time part of the village of Princeton lay in 
Somerset County, and part in Middlesex. The line 
which divided the Counties ran through the middle of 
the main street, and the house in which he was born 
stood on the Somerset side of the street. Not far away 
from the spot rise the walls of Princeton College, dearer 
to its students and to the ears of Princetonians as 
''Nassau Hall." The " Campus" or play-ground which 
surrounds it, stretches its smooth green lawn to the edge 
of the street, along which a few fine old trees, veterans 
of the forest which has elsewhere disappeared from 
their neighborhood, stand like sentinels between the 
world of students and of townsmen. In the centre, 
marked by a certain grandeur, for it is a stone building 
of considerable extent, and although without much 
architectural pretension, massively and conveniently 
built, rise the venerable walls of the College. Behind 
it the " Campus " breaks in some places into miniature 
valleys, not unpicturesque, and affording every variety 
of ground for the ordinary sports and recreations of boy- 
hood and youth. The College and its Campus are of 
course the great features of the town, and in the latter 
part of the last century, the former was the beau-ideal 
of solid magnificence. 

Born within sight of the halls of learning then most 



16 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

famous in the land, and indeed never since much under- 
valued to any other Collegiate Institution of our country, 
it is not hard to fancy that, with a character so impres- 
sionable as his, the child's thoughts must have very 
early connected the ideas of influence and worth with 
those of study- — intelligence — learning. How early 
those ideas took root he could not probably tell himself; 
but their effect upon his after life prove that they must 
have been dropped into the soil, long before the ranker 
growth of worldly ambition or pleasure had time to 
possess it. 

In a little old-fashioned frame house — ^not only old 
fashioned but after the fashion of plain country houses 
of that time, w^hich means a very plain house indeed in 
ours — ^his childhood's experiences begun. 

The sacrifices of the war had not entirely exhausted 
his father's means, although they had greatly reduced 
and straitened them. The pay he received from Gov- 
ernment aided but little during the war, its paper 
money being almost worthless ; and indeed a short time 
after the close of it became altogether so. As a proof 
of what it was, Mr. Cone said one of the first things he 
took notice of and wondered at as a child, and always 
recollected from that fact, was his father's paying eigh- 
teen hundred dollars continental money for a saddle 
horse worth in gold or silver about seventy or eighty at 
the same period. They had enough however for com- 
fort, and one elegance they always indulged in to the 
last limit of their means, and very often a little beyond 
it — books. Both his parents were great readers. If the 
meal tub was empty they could take it with great phi- 
losophy — but they always kept the mind fall. He has 
often related an anecdote of his mother which illustrated 
her singular thirst for knowledge very pleasantly, and 
which throws a clear light upon the influences which 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 17 

were at work in his childhood's home, to make the basis 
of the man's character. 

At one time, when quite a child, they moved away 
from the town. The house they were to go to was some 
miles back in the country, and early in the morning his 
mother went away with the first load of household gear 
to the new domicil, for the purpose of setting it in order, 
and making preparation for the rest. Towards evening 
the remainder of the family arrived. Everything about 
the new house was quiet. Not a mouse stirring. No 
mother watching to receive them ; no mother to be seen 
anywhere. They went into the hall and kitchen, cellar 
and sitting-room : up stairs and down. Not a glimpse 
of her. They began to be alarmed — very much alarmed. 
Could she be lost. No ! — The things were there. 
The horse was in the stable, and the wagon she had 
come in stood by the door. — Could she have been mur- 
dered ? — ^Hardly : for there were no marks of violence 
or blood ! — At last, after every other place had been 
ransacked, they bethought them of the garret. And 
there, at last, they found her, seated on the floor, her 
elbows on her knees, and a hook in her lap — treading ! 
She had found an odd volume of Hume's history of Eng- 
land in the house — ^picked it up, become interested, then 
absorbed, and finally forgotten all about house or supper, 
or moving, or anything in the world but her book ; and 
had sat there well-nigh the whole day — studying history 
instead of cooking, or putting chairs and tables in order. 

It must not be supposed, however, that she commonly 
forgot the real in the imaginary world, or the present in 
the past. Order and regularity were marked qualities 
in her character; and a miniature of her when quite old, 
by Anna Peele, represents a woman still beautiful, and 
with all the lines of thought and energy so clearly 
stamped upon the face of her son. The resemblance 



18 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

between their faces is so striking, indeed, that but for 
the female cap and dress it might be easily supposed a 
softened portrait of himself. Spencer had four sisters 
and a brother. The difference in their relative ages 
was not great. But, although tenderly attached to all 
her children, Mrs. Alice Cone seems to have felt for her 
eldest son an affection which nothing but the natural 
strength of her mind, and the still greater strength of 
her religious principles, hindered from idolatry. After 
events have raised the natural promptings of a Chris- 
tian mother's heart almost to the dignity of prophecy, 
and yet we know they could be no more than almost 
every other such mother has felt and hoped. Thus she 
always persuaded herself that God had some special 
work in the world for her boy to do. That he had sent 
him into the world to carry out some not unworthy, and 
perhaps noble part of his great plan of Providence ; and 
that, in his own good time and way, he would bring him 
out and set him in a sure place. She believed too, with 
a conviction that nothing could ever shake from her, 
that God had heard her prayers ; and as she was sitting 
by his cradle when he was yet but a baby, and being 
downcast for some trouble which was upon her, fell 
into gloomy forebodings, and began to wrestle with 
God in prayer for her baby's life, only his life ; to spare 
that to her, no matter what other evil might come upon 
her — she believed, we say, that God heard and answered 
her : " Be of good cheer ! — not only shall the child not 
die, but he shall live to preach Christ and him crucified !" 
And thenceforward, through all changes, she carried 
the promise in her heart, and had no fear for his life. 
But if the care of his life was taken from her, and her 
maternal anxiety hushed in the deep faith with which 
she received into her soul the promise of his Father in 
heaven, it seemed to her as if a greater duty, a more 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTOK CONE. 19 

absorbing anxietv, had been substituted, and that God 
had given for awhile into her keeping a soul intended 
for himself. Under this conviction she watched her boy 
daily, to catch the first dawn of intellect, the very open- 
ing of the mind and, if it might be, endow his earliest 
purposes with holy thoughts and words. Every occasion 
was seized, every occurrence improved, with an eye 
single to that future she believed so firmly to be destined 
for him, persuaded that in that she had also an eye 
single to the glory of God. And it was in that elevated 
feeling that she began to teach him, investing even the 
common lessons of honestv and truth with the charm of 
Christian heroism. 

For it happened one day, when he was about five 
years old, that some drovers, reaching their place about 
nightfall, were obliged to put up their cattle in the sheds, 
and tarry with them until next morning. When the 
morning came they got their cattle together again, 
mounted their horses, and went upon their way. That 
day, as Spencer was playing in the barn, he found a 
dollar — a real silver dollar ; and silver dollars then were 
not the common coin they are now. War and a depre- 
ciated paper currency had raised them to a value which 
would now-a-days seem fabulous. Spencer thought he 
was a made man for life ; that he had found a treasure, 
an inexhaustible mine of wealth. So he ran to his 
mother to show her his dollar. 

" Your dollar, Spencer," said she. " Where did you 
get it?" 

" Oh ! I found it in the straw, and it's mine." 

" Not so fast, my son. Let us think -of that a little : 
silver dollars do not grow in the straw ?" 

''No — mother." 

" Then, my son, somebody must have put it there, or 
somebody must have lost it there." 



20 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOTJGHTON CONE. 

" Y es, mother," said the boy. " I never thought of 
that." 

" And more than that," said his mother, drawing him 
to her. " If we do not know who put it there, God 
knows. If we do not know who lost it, God knows. 
He sees ns altogether. And besides, Spencer, if you 
had had a dollar, a silver dollar, and had been so care- 
less or so unfortunate as to lose it, would you not feel 
very sorry, and would you not hope that whoever found 
it would try and find out who it belonged to, and if he 
heard it was yours, bring it back to you ?" 

" Oh, yes indeed !" he cried, earnestly. 

" Well then," said the mother, winding her arms 
around him. " You and I will ask God to help us to find 
out who this money belonged to, and to put it into our 
hearts to always try and do unto others even as we 
would that they should do unto us." 

And the little boy prayed well-nigh as earnestly as the 
Christian mother for the guidance and direction of their 
heavenly Father. And so his mother began to teach him 
that the fear of God was the beginning of wisdom. It was 
quite a year after before the drovers came that way 
again ; but the first thing Spencer did was to run out 
amongst them, with the silver dollar in his hand, tell 
them how he had found it in the barn, amongst the 
straw, after they had gone away, and beg them to try 
and remember which of them had lost it. So the old 
fellows laid their heads together, and although they 
would have liked to smile at the child's earnestness, 
refrained out of wise respect for the principle of the 
thing, and pretended to try very hard to discover the 
loser. But when they could not, after much question 
ing, fix upon any one of them as the man, they very 
gravely discussed the question of whose property it 
should be, and finally resolved unanimously that 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 21 

Spencer should keep it as a reward for his honesty ; or 
rather because he had kept it so long and well, and 
taken such pains to discover the true owner — for 
honesty was not so rare a quality in those days as it has 
come to be in later times. 

It may not be amiss to notice that his mother, Alice 
Houghton, was the daughter of Col. Joab Houghton and 
Catharine Eunyon ; and. that Catharine Eunyon was 
the child of one of the early Huguenot refugees, and 
that both her parents were very stern old French 
Calvinists — persons of that earnest faith and resolved 
temper so common to the churches of our faith 
amongst the mountains of the Cevennes — a faith tem- 
pered in the blood of so many holy and glorious 
martyrs — a temper at once elevated and indurated by 
persecution, and chastened and purified by suffering to 
the most steadfast endurance of all earthly trials, the 
sublimest anticipation of their reward in heaven. From 
the dragonnades of Louis XIV., and the smoking ruins of 
La Rochelle, they came out, not fainting, not destroyed, 
but renewed in the temper and spirit of their minds ; 
and brought to the Western world that indomitable 
courage and exalted piety which were ordained, of the 
Master who had tried them in the fiery furnace of 
afiiiction, as the elements of a new world of civil and 
religious freedom. He taught them, in the school of 
royal and priestly persecution, man's inalienable rights — 
above all and most precious of all — his right to worship 
God according to the dictates of his own conscience. 
They brought with them a fixed principle of personal in- 
violability as the basis of their political system ; and for 
their religious one, undying hostility to hierarchies and 
state religions, and an immovable fidelity to the Inde- 
pendence of the Churches. 

These things they taught their children ; and these 



22 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

tilings Alice Cone taught her boy. He learned his 
principles in childhood. He heard them as soon as he 
could listen and understand. They were no after- 
thought. They were not learned from books, nor 
gathered up in schools and Theological Institutes. 
They were inherited. They were poured into his mind 
fresh from hearts which had bled to hear from the lips 
of those who had suffered in their own persons the loss 
of goods, and country, and all the endearments of the 
home of their childhood ; who had suffered imprison- 
ment and stripes and all but death itself, for Christ's 
sake — the story of their wrongs — the reason of their 
bitter persecutions. It is not to be wondered at that 
their principles took deep root in his mind, nor that 
they bore their fruit in due season. Col. Houghton 
was still living when Spencer and his sister Amelia 
were between six and eight years old. 

" Grandfather Houghton," says the latter, in a late 
letter, " was as easily affected to tears as a woman." 
She is speaking of how his feelings could be wrought 
upon by reminiscences of the war, or heroic sentiment 
of any kind : — 

" The last we remember of him was once when mother 
took aH of us children up to his house. He would have 
us sing for him. We sung ' Hail Columbia ' as well as 
we could. He was completely overcome, and cried 
like a child. Our Father Cone was just like him, and 
wept easily. They both sung finely. Uncle Houghton 
said they could hear grandfather sing three-quarters of 
a mile. Both of them used to set the Psalms in churcli. 
1 remember hearing them. My dear brother's voice 
was hereditary. It ran in the Houghton and Cone 
family. Our father had naturally all the qualities of a 
public speaker. His language flowed easily and natu- 
rally. He was a philanthropist, and greatly injured 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 23 

himself and family by his too great generosity. He 
spoke at Grandfather Honghton's grave. " 

What a singular transmission of qualities ! His son 

inherited the same strange compelling sense of duty. 

It is evident there was no one there when the old 

soldier was laid to rest, who could do him justice but 

Conant Cone. He felt it. He had been his fellow- 

I soldier — and fought with him in the same holy cause. 

j He felt it to be a duty. That simple idea, heroic in its 

. simplicity, bore down everything else ; put back the 

!' tears ; conquered the selfish weakness of humanity — 

' conquered all but the high sense of duty to the dead — 

and he stood up and spoke for him to the living. 

It is not a little singular, too, that three generations of 
tthe same stock should not only be controlled by the 
\ same all-powerful sentiment of duty, but also that in 
t(each of them it should take the same development in 
^ilove of country, lofty patriotism, perpetual looking to 
the people J as the source of all power, and the object of 
lall efi*ort politically; and in religious affairs, to the 
Ipropagation of Baptist sentiments. Three generations 
fcthought, and spoke, and acted as one ; all looking from 
rremote and various periods of time to one object, and 
working for one glorious faith of civil and religious 
independence. 

Grandfather, father, and mother were all at one time, 
1 members together of the old Hopewell Baptist Church. 
The meeting-house is a square, old-fashioned, stone 
building of some size, and is pleasantly situated in the 
lower part of Hunterdon county. There are hundreds 
like it scattered through the land, and few can fail to 
picture from their own memory such a place — with its 
plain, high-backed pews, made neither for ornament nor 
ease ; its square pulpit, perched high up in one end ; its 
white-washed walls, and general air of rude and simple 



24: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE, 



solemnity. One feature is peculiar — before the meet 
ing-house still flourish one or two trees, now almost cen- 
tenarians, and beneath whose shade many generations 
have met in the pleasant hush of the Sabbath, to 
exchange weekly their kind greetings before entering 
together the house of prayer. 
^ Dr. Cone says, in a sermon delivered in 1844, and of 
f which, happily, a phonographic report was made — ^'My 
'\ mother was baptized when I was a few months old. " 

He refers, a little after, to the conviction of his future 
calling, impressed so early upon her mind : — 

" When I was a few months old, and soon after her 
baptism, as I was sleeping in her lap, she was much 
drawn out in prayer for her babe, and supposed she re- 
ceived an answer, with the assurance that her child, 
should live to preach the Oospel of Christ. This assur- 
ance never left her ; and it induced her to make the 
most persevering efforts to send me to Princeton (Col- 
lege) — a course, at first, very much against my father's 
will. This she told me after my conversion. It had 
been a comfort to her in the darkest hour of domestic 
trial ; for she had never doubted but that her hope 
would be sooner or later fulfilled. " 

When Spencer was but eight years old, and while 
he was spending a few months with his grandfather 
Houghton, he accompanied him to an annual Baptist 
gathering, known as the " Hopewell Great Meeting. " 
Here he was first awakened to see his lost condition as 
a sinner. A sermon was preached on that memorable 
occasion, by Mr. James McLaughlin, from Jer. viii. 22: 
''Is there no halm in Gilead? Is there no physician 
there ? " 

" This sermon," he says, " deeply affected me. It 
left upon my mind an impression never eradicated — a 
system of theology never forgotten ; viz : — 



< 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 25 

" 1. Total Depravity ; ^ 

"2. Universal Condemnation ; 

" 3. Salvation alone by the balm of Gilead — the blood 
of the Lamb. 

" I was so affected by this sermon that for months I 
was afraid to go to sleep without saying the Lord's 
Prayer, as it is called, or some other little form taught 
me by my mother. But the impression wore off, and 
left me thoughtless and playful as it found me. " 

About two years after this, he accompanied his 
mother to hear a sermon, preached by Dr. Ashbel 
Green, of Philadelphia. Dr. Green preached very 
powerfully, from John i. 29 : — 

"jBehold the Lainb of God which taketh away the sin 
of the world. " 

" His mind was again seized with distressing convic- 
tions of his ruined condition as a sinner, of his base 
ingratitude, and of the efficiency of the blood and 
righteousness of Christ alone, to save him. 

" For a time he strove again to do good, but strove in 
his own strength, and evil, and only evil, was present 
w^ith him ; so that he soon ceased to pray, and gave 
himself up again to folly. " — Dr. Armitage. 

It is not often that cliildish convictions are so strong, 
nor their effects so lasting. We are compelled to admit 
their reality and significance too, by the consideration 
that, they arose in a mind the very reverse of gloomy 
or mystical, by natural tendencies. His temper was 
gay and mercurial, his animal spirits inexhaustible. 
The most prevailing characteristic of his mind, too^ 
was always a turn to humor ; and this, added to a 
physical development of uncommon power, and a 
nervous activity, amounting almost to constant restless- 
ness, would seem to offer as many natural antagonisms 
to religious impressions as could well be combined in 

2 



26 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 

one man. When it is considered, that these qualities 
are always more marked and exuberant in childhood, 
the singularity of his early impressions is largely en- 
hanced. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 27 



CHAPTER III. 

BOYHOOD. 

During childhood, Spencer had frequent, and often 
severe attacks of sickness ; and was constantly troubled 
with sick headache. This determined his mother to 
send him away from the village to his grandfather's farm. 
Living there the greater part of the time for several 
years, running about the farm and taking constant and 
hardy exercise, he gradually outgrew all tendency to 
headache ; his periodical attacks became rarer and rarer, 
and when about eleven years old his health was firmly 
established. From that time, and during his whole life 
after, he enjoyed an exemption from even the slightest 
attacks of sickness, and was confirmed in a strength and 
vigor of body, which never seemed to fail him under 
the hardest physical or mental labors. 

On the farm or in the village he was the soul and 
centre of every boyish scheme of frolic or amusement. 

In the winter the Millstone river, which runs close 
by the village — we speak of the last century, for we 
believe it has since risen to the dignity of a city — was 
the scene of their enjoyment, and in the rough game 
of ''hurley," he had the reputation of the best "bat" 
on the ice. 

In milder seasons " base" and " cricket," assisted the 
development of his boyish strength. 

Very early amongst the boys of his own age, he began 
to play the part of a leader ; and the whole rout of 
village urchins looked up to Spencer H., as they called 



28 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

him, for direction. His boyish motto seems to have 
been " Caesar or nothing." He undertook all the details, 
as well as the grand effects of their plays. Yery late in 
life he remembered a struggle for precedency between 
himself and some of the older boys. They had formed 
a company of soldiers, and got along very smoothly as 
far as paper caps, and rag epaulettes ; but the guns 
were a sticking point. This was his opportunity. An 
older boy had been chosen captain ; but he had no 
mechanical ingenuity, or, if he had, was without the 
means and chances of exercising it. Spencer's father 
had a forge and workshop on the place. What was to 
be done ? The gallant company gathered round Spencer, 
and tried to coax him into gun-making. " Make me 
captain," said Spencer — " and I'll make your guns." 
That was his ultimatum. Every boy knew that what 
Spencer once said, all the pincers and red hot iron in 
the blacksmith's shop could not frighten him from, if 
they should take him apart piece by piece with them. 
So the first captain was obliged, by the unanimous 
revolt of his troops, to lay down his wooden sword and 
truncheon of command, and Spencer as unanimously 
elected in his place. And Spencer made the guns^ and 
paraded his company to the general delight and amuse- 
ment of the villagers, amongst whom the story of his 
'' coup d^etaf^ had not failed to get abroad. 

His great delight as a boy was English poetry, and at a 
very early age he had by heart a little repertory of the 
finest passages in the language. Shakespeare, Milton, 
and Dryden were familiar to him, and he could recite 
thousands of their lines, at an age when few boys have 
any idea or appreciation of such things. It was a nat- 
ural bent. He studied them of his own motion. During 
his whole life, indeed, he was passionately fond of fine 
poetry, and the immense stores of it laid up by his sin- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 29 

gularly retentive memory gave a warmth and richness 
to his diction in public speaking, a romantic form and 
coloring to his sentences which was not the least 
among the charms of his oratory. His sister says of 
him : . , 

" He was always a good boy — obedient and loving 
to his parents, and kind to his brother and sisters. 
Oftentimes I used to ask him to go into the next room 
and speak for me. He spoke so sweetly that, in my 
sisterly view, there never was his like. I used to be the 
audience, and he the orator. He would speak ^Hannibal 
to his Soldiers,' — and then I was in raptures. Some- 
times he spoke ' My name is Norval' — or ' In such a 
night stood Jessica.' In truth he was no vulgar boy. 
I never remember him to have been in brawls with 
other boys. He was truly gifted by nature and by 
grace. To those who never saw him, nor heard his 
voice — what pen can describe him ?-^ — Oh ! could we 
paint in bold relief his grace, his air, his manner, his 
voice, his reading — the eloquent expression of his coun- 
tenance ; his beautiful self possession — modest, yet firm 
and energetic. These were his natural graces; but 
better than all, tie was Ood^s Man^ 

The judgment of the Christian world has assented to 
the truth of the portrait drawn by sisterly affection. 

Urged by his mother, whose anxiety to push him for- 
ward was sleepless, he applied himself to Greek, Latin, 
and mathematics with an assiduity which nothing but an 
extraordinary constitution could have supported. A 
Latin or Greek Grammar was always in his hand and, 
like Person, his pockets were always plethoric with a 
small library of classical literature. Under this forcing 
process, he made a very rapid progress, and his memory 
became cultivated to a remarkable degree. How thor- 



30 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

oughly the Greek and Latin had been ingrained, might 
be gathered from the fact that on reference to passages in 
Cicero, Seneca, or Homer, which he had not read for half 
a century, he would correct, from memory, verbal inac. 
curacies in the Greek or Latin text, and give readily the 
passages in the context illustrative of a particular sentence. 
His boys, whilst at school or in college, often tried, 
out of curiosity, how much he did recollect, and finally 
concluded, either that he remembered all he had ever 
learned at school, by some quality of memory peculiar 
to himself, or else that schoolmasters in the eighteenth 
century had a very peculiar knack of making what they 
taught stay for ev-er in the heads of their pupils. 

One of his masters had a narrow escape of martyrdom, 
or rather sacrifice to popular resentment, on his account. 
He was an Irishman; a very finished scholar, and a 
great mathematician, but unfortunately addicted to the 
wine-cup, and when he had been indulging became 
savage and cruel towards his scholars. 

In one of his fits of intemperance he accused Spencer 
of having told a falsehood. No threats however could 
force him to admit the guilt of an act so foreign to his 
nature ; an act indeed of which he was never known to 
be guilty, and the meanness of which he always held 
in utter contempt. He esteemed lying the vice only of 
cowards, and being essentially without natural fear, the 
idea of it was entirely contemptible to him. 

The pedagogue, unable to compel him to confess what 
he was not guilty of, seized Spencer and beat him 
unmercifully. The poor little fellow bore it heroically, 
and when school was out went home without complaint. 
But when he came to undress for bed, he was so stiff 
and sore that he could not get his clothes off himself, 
and had to ask his mother's help. As this was unusual 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 31 

slie fell to examining him, and when his jacket was 
taken off, found his shirt saturated with blood, and his 
whole back gashed and welted with the whip of the 
cruel drunkard. 

Before an hour was passed the story had got from one 
end of Princeton to the other. The townspeople took 
it up as a public matter, and were making their arrange- 
ments to inflict summary punishment upon the offender. 
Luckily for him some friend or crony carried the news 
to him, and helped him to a horse, thus giving him an 
hour's start of Judge Lynch and his officers. The latter, 
when his flight was discovered, mounted in hot haste 
and tracked him for miles. Here they lost the trail ; 
and returned with vows of future vengeance. But the 
offender never gave them an opportunity. They learned 
afterwards that he had got away to New York ; and he 
took good care never to return to Princeton. 

At the early age of twelve, Spencer entered the 
freshman class of Princeton College. He stood the 
examination for admission with great credit to himself ; 
and with how much satisfaction to that doting mother, 
whose heart was wrapped up in him, and who looked 
forward to his future career with as much confidence as 
if she had indeed a "thus saith the Lord," to repose her 
faith upon, only a mother's heart can appreciate. 

During the freshman and sophomore years he main- 
tained his standing in his classes, and grew daily in 
favor with the Faculty. He was uncommonly large 
and forward for his age, attaining his full growth as a 
man, indeed, between the ages of twelve and fourteen ; 
but his face was very boyish, and the contrast between 
his extremely youthful appearance, and the grave and 
thoughtful purpose with which he pursued his studies, 
recommended him to the notice and favor of his pro- 
fessors. 



32 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

At the close of the first speech which, as part of the 
routine of college exercises, it was his duty to deliver, 
the president (Dr. Smith) laid his hand upon his head, 
and nodding to him approvingly, said, " Young man, 
your voice will be your fortune," 

It was a prophetic criticism. 

The Doctor, a man very eminent, and in many 
respects peculiar, formed a strong friendship for the lad. 
He was a great chess-player, extravagantly fond of the 
game, and excelling in it. Discovering that Spencer 
played chess, he had him up to the presidential quarters 
for a trial of skill. The trial evidently pleased him, for 
it was often repeated ; and their contests over the chess- 
board did the boy-collegian no damage in the eyes of 
the grave functionary, whose nod, within the charmed 
circle of the coUege-w^alls, was fate. 

It was his fortune to be a student of Princeton at a 
time when the roll of that institution was filled with 
names, since illustrious in the literary and political his- 
tory of our country. Amongst them were James Fenni- 
more Cooper, the novelist, and John Forsyth, late Secre- 
tary of the United States Treasury. During his brief 
collegiate career, there occurred one of the most memo- 
rable events in the history of Nassau Hall. We refer 
to the celebrated rebellion and " barring out," in the 
course of which the students took possession of the build- 
ing, barricaded and fortified it, placed cannon in the 
hall, and held it as a besieged fortress against the col- 
legiate and town authorities for some days. The crown- 
ing act of the rebellion was the almost entire destruction 
of the college by fire. We believe Fenimore Cooper 
was tried upon suspicion as the incendiary, but was 
acquitted. 

Literary societies, as all know, exist in every college : 
and during his collegiate course, Spencer belonged to 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 33 

the " Whig" Society of Princeton. Many young men, 
who have since filled the highest oflEices in the State and 
Church, were fellow-members ; and he has said an hun- 
dred times, that, although, in riper years, it had been his 
fortune to listen to some of the most renowned orators, 
legists, and ecclesiastics, he had never heard, on the 
floor- of Congress, at the bar, or in the pulpit, finer 
speaking, nor seen debates conducted with more dignity 
and decorum than within the walls of the Whig Society. 
He attributed much of his own training to the influence 
it exercised upon his mind, at the most impressionable 
period of his life. 

But in the very midst of his career of study, and when 
his prospects of distinction were fairest. Providence 
turned the current of his life into a new channel. The 
halcyon days of study, reflection, and domestic felicity, 
were to be succeeded by yeare of struggle and trial, 
pecuniary embarrassment and apparently hopeless efi'ort. 

Dr. Armitage, in the eloquent and chaste funeral 
address delivered by him Sept. 16th, 1855, has fallen 
into an error in stating that " He was pursuing his 
studies with avidity when his father was unexpectedly 
taken away by death." It was if possible a sterner trial 
which summoned him from the seclusion of collegiate 
study, to a bitter strife-^a hand to hand grapple with 
the world for daily bread. 

A philanthropist by nature and habit; entirely 
improvident in regard to money, upon which he set no 
other value than as it would serve a friend, or relieve a 
suff*ering fellow-creature, his father suddenly found him- 
self penniless. The exposure and hardships of the 
Eevolution, and the wounds received in it, had unfitted 
him for active exertion. A high-spirited soldier, he was 
too proud to beg. A frequent invalid, he was unable to 
work. He saw starvation and penury, perhaps coi^- 

2^ 



34: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

tempt and disgrace, the common fortune of the poor, 
staring him in the face. His mind gave way nnder the 
pressure. He could not meet the crisis. He could not 
bear the anticipation. He fell into a state of morbid 
melancholy, soon followed by decided aberrations of 
mind. He had frequent, and sometimes lengthened 
intervals of entire sanity, but his . mind was never 
wholly restored to a state which could be looked to as 
permanent, and he was unfitted for the care of his 
family. 

It was thus at the age of only fourteen that Spencer 
found himself the sole hope and support of his 
mother, and left by the mysterious providence of God 
to support her, his stricken father, four sisters, and a 
brother ! All of the latter, young children and incapa- 
ble of assisting themselves or him. 

Did he hesitate ; did he despair ? Never less. It was 
not in his nature. His mind was like a finely-tempered 
spring ; the greater the pressure, the greater the recoil. 
He had, unconverted as well as converted, a pure and 
simple trust in God. His mother had labored night and 
day to instill it into his mind, and her labor had not been 
in vain. He never doubted. His only question was — 
What is duty? — and when conscience and meditation, 
as he believed, told him what was duty, he did it— 
" Not having the fear of man before his eyes." And 
now that they were poor, and the bread for the little 
ones of the fiock began to fail, he said, " Mother, you 
have worked to feed me whilst I got an education ; and 
now, with God's blessing, my education shall feed you." 

And it so happened that a Dr. , who kept a 

school at Basking Ridge, had advertised for an assistant 
in his school, and he resolved to go and ask for the situ- 
ation. But Basking Ridge was more than thirty miles 
away from Princeton, and he had no money, nor no coat 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 35 

fit to go amongst strange^rs, who would undoubtedly 
scrutinize him closely, and be, perhaps, unfavorably im- 
pressed towards him if he came amongst them thread- 
bare and out at elbows. But mother Alice had a gay 
scarlet cardinal, of very fine cloth, which not long before, 
in better days, she had worn on Sundays and holydays, 
to the great envy of many female neighbors. And 
mother Alice sat down and ripped her gay cardinal 
apart, for she would wear nothing so fine now, and got 
dye-stuff and dyed it a sober brown ; and then set to , 
work night and day, to make the lad a new coat ; drop- 
ping many hot tears all the while, which hindered her 
sadly, but they would come ; and praying — praying, 
oh ! how fervently, that God — the God who had brought 
his fathers up out of more straits than this, and had 
been with them and with their children to that hour — 
would be with her boy, and save him from the disap- 
pointment and heart-sinking of his first rude trial — 
graciously turning the stranger's heart towards him, 
that he might not fail. 

How often he has said he never had such another 
coat as that. It fitted him so perfectly. It was so com- 
fortable and warm. He felt so happy in it. It seemed 
as if it had his mother's loving tears and blessing in 
every thread of it. 

So he put it on, and before the day broke started off 
for Basking Eidge, his only companions a good stout, 
knotted stick, and a heart full of the happy feeling, that 
he was about to be useful. Glorious boy ! — that feeling 
made him happier than a monarch in all his pride of 
place. No one need pity him that morning — as they 
see him stepping out into the cold twilight, and button- 
ing his coat up, and striking off briskly, half running — 
to keep him warm. Their pity would be thrown away— 
utterly wasted. He was rich as Croesus; and happier 



36 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

than ever money made the Lydian king : Rich in youth, 
and hope, rich in unconquerable determination — above 
all in love and duty ; — in the idea that he was about to 
live to some good purpose — and be useful to others. That 
was his happiness always. He was as young, and dar- 
ing, and happy in it when the snows of seventy winters 
whitened on his head, as when the morning damp hung 
on his rich, brown curls the day that he stepped out there 
first into the wide world to fight for bread amongst its 
starving millions. He was not to be pitied — ^he was 
to be envied. 

He could not afford to ride ; but he was not a whit 
afraid to walk — ^nor to say why he walked. And that 
day he walked the thirty miles, and not very late in the 
evening came to Basking Ridge, and the house of the 
doctor who had advertised for an assistant. 

But, as if Providence would have him tried and 
proved at the very outset — as if it would put his metal 
to the touch and try if it were pure gold — he was here 
to meet with a disappointment — perliaps the hardest of 
all the many which beset his pathway in life — his first 
disappointment. 

We all know how time, and the repeated failure of 
favorite plans daily for years, come at last to harden us, 
to dull the fine edge of our capacity for suffering, to 
inure us to disappointment, to bring us to that point that 
disappointment is rather a vague idea than a keen reality. 
We become schooled to it — indurated and callous. But 
the first disappointment of a brave, loving, hopeful boy ; 
the disappointment of his first exalted scheme of labor 
for those he loved, and whose little hands had been tug- 
ging at his heart-strings all that lonely walk of thirty 
weary miles ! Can we not fancy what such a boy as he 
was had been thinking all the way ? How he had said 
to himself, " The Doctor must be a good man, a man who 



THE LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 37 

feels for trouble. He will see my situation. He will 
sympathize with me. I will tell him all my little story 
of family affliction. God will help me to tell it rightly. 
I know he will, for it is a true tale, and I am going to 
work for my mother and father, my brother and my 
sisters. He will employ me. I shall not receive much 
salary, perhaps. I am too young to have a right to 
expect much. But it will be enough to keep them 
all at home ; and for myself, I shall want nothing. 
Have I not a new coat — this blessed coat, dear mother 
sat up all last night to finish for me ? Has she not put 
all my things in order? No, I shall want nothing. I 
shall have food and lodging, and books to study for 
nothing — and all my money I can send home. Oh ! I 
shall be so happy to be able to do it — so happy, young 
as I am, to have the privilege of denying myself for 
their sake, for her sake who has denied herself so much 
to give me an education !" 

Who can doubt, that ever knew him, that just such 
thoughts beguiled the tedious journey, and buoyed him 
up all day long, and made him forget the weariness 
of the way. 

But when he came to Basking Eidge, the Doctor had 
obtained an assistant. Only the day before he had 
engaged one. Do you not pity the boy ? Alas ! how 
his heart must have sunk within him ! 

The Doctor was very kind and hospitable, it is true — • 
but what a bitter disappointment. He made him stay 
with him all night ; gave him his supper, and a good 
bed, and talked comfortably and wisely with him. But 
poor Spencer cried himself to sleep that night ; and the 
next morning turned with a heavy heart to retrace his 
steps ; and weary, foot-sore, and sad, reached Princeton 
late at night. It was harder walking back from Bask- 
ing Eidge hopeless, than going there full of the first 



38 THE LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

unchecked plans and expectations of a heart fresh to 
the world, and ignorant of its trials. One of the bright 
prophets of the future — Youth, was with him still, but 
his twin brother, Hope, lagged wearily behind. Not long 
after his return to Princeton, however, a little door of 
hope was opened for him and he obtained a place in the 
Princeton Academy. 

He thus speaks of it in a letter dated September 5th, 
1810 : 

^'The cup of life to me has been a cup of bitterness. 
I came into the active world at fourteen years of age, 
overburdened with duties and difficulties. I beheld my 
mother, and my little sisters left completely destitute — 
without the means of procuring a comfortable subsis- 
tence — without a friend or a father to support and pro- 
tect them. Notwithstanding my extreme youth, when 
OUT house and everything belonging to us was sold^ I was 
so fortunate as to procure the situation of Latin teacher 
in the Princeton Academy. My salary, however, was 
so trifling that it larely hejot us alive. ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ \\^ 
would only give a useless pang to your sympathizing 
heart, to tell jo\x how I struggled, and what I suffered, 
during those delightful years when nature wears no 
mask. Those years of happy youth, that by most are 
merrily spent in study or amusement, to me brought 
nothing in their train but vexation and disappointment. 
Though I lived at that period with the strictest economy, 
I found we were sinking daily more and more into debt 
— but I still persisted in keeping my family together." 

Poor boy! Fourteen was very young to study so 
hard a lesson. Self-denial; poverty ; debt ; disappoint- 
ment — almost despair — But so — 

^' By all that wrings the heart of sin, 
His wisdom wins to Heaven." 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOrGHTON 00X12. 39 

A rough road indeed: but it made a rugged and 
brave traveller of him. 

Speaking of that period and his trials, his only survi- 
ving sister says. 

" He took a house for mother, and came to Princeton 
and carried us all to Bordentown, to live. Father was 
then suffering in one of the most violent fits he ever had. 
He was entirely out of his mind, and often dangerously 
violent. The grief and fear we were all in was truly 
melancholy and pitiable. Mother and brother kept 
him home with us as long as they dare. It would often 
take four men to hold him ; but dear brother was the one 
who had the most power over him. He used to call brother 
Mr. Seventeen, and seemed strangely puzzled and amazed 
at his trying to control him. We poor children would 
run away and hide ourselves, in different places, for fear ; 
but mother and brother stayed with him, dangerous as 
he was, unflinchingly. It nearly broke their hearts but 
they would not leave him to strangers. Whilst we lived 
at Bordentown, however, these violent fits grew so fre- 
quent, that brother, who had his school to attend to, and 
must be away from the house, found that he did not 
dare any longer to expose mother and her young chil- 
dren to the danger of being alone with him. At last, 
therefore, taking some persons with him to assist, he 
went to Philadelphia, in the packet, to try and get him 
into the hospital, until the disease was either cured, or 
grew mild enough for us to dare to have him home with 
us again. Brother had never been in Philadelphia 
before, and knew no one there. He had gone there 
thinking that the hospital was a free institution. They 
had a great deal of trouble in getting our poor mad 
father to the hospital, and when they did get him there, 
the people of the place would not receive him. He was 
not a citizen of the State of Pennsylvania, but of New Jer- 



40 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

sey, where he lived, or Connecticut, where he was born, 
and the rules of the institution forbade them receiving cit- 
izens of another State without having ample security for 
their maintenance. Poor brother could give no security, 
for no one knew him there ; so they had to take father 
back to the boat, and leave him there to the care of the 
men, whilst he went and hunted for the principal officer 
of the institution. He described, when he came home, 
what he had gone through and the scene at the gentle- 
man's house, and I remember well how bitterly we all 
wept to hear him. He rang at the door of the chief 
officer's house, and a beautiful girl, his daughter, came to 
the door and let him in. It was on a Sunday. She 
conducted him into a parlor. There was a table in the 
middle of the room, and a noble, benevolent-looking man 
sat by it, with a large Bible before him, reading intently. 
I knew his name once, but it is so long ago now that it 
is gone from me. Brother went up and stood before 
him, and told him his sad story, and that he was a boy, 
and had no one in the world to stand for him, or be his 
security. The old man heard him through, and then 
looking benignly in the poor boy's eyes, said, " My son, 
thy face is thy security : I will stand for thee. Thy 
father shall go in.' Afterwards father had many 
intervals of sanity, or quiet — and was out and in the 
institution for ten years as his health permitted." 



LIFE OF SPEJSrCER HOUGHTON CONE. 41 



CHAPTER IV, 



YOUTH. 



And SO, with poverty for a daily companiorij and many 
mouths to fill out of the scant pittance which divided it 
from starvation, he commenced his real experiences 
of life. Many, perhaps it would not be going too far 
to say most, minds become either callous or morbid under 
the pressure of such early trials — they lose their elasti- 
city ; whatever is generous and delicate, all its brighter 
tints fade little by little, and the whole mind and char- 
acter takes the dull, cold hue of a November fortune. 
Happily for him, God had bestowed on him such a 
hopeful mind, so much animal spirits, and above all 
such a capacity for finding consolation in work — the great 
consoler, that whilst the difficulties which beset him 
tempered his character with precocious firmness and assu- 
i-ance, it left heart and mind as kind, and open, and 
playful as ever. Like the traveller who toils wearily 
amongst the mountains, he was often fatigued, worn out, 
and glad to lie down and sleep in any hut by the way- 
side, but awoke in the morning healthier for his labor, 
and better braced by the keen wind, and rough ascents, 
for renewed effi)rt. 

His engagement in the Princeton Academy affi^rded 
the means of a bare subsistence, and that of a very poor 
and meagre kind. In the intervals of duty he accord- 
ingly looked anxiously about him for something better, 
and, happily, many months did not pass before Provi- 
dence opened the door of hope a little wider. 



42 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

A master was needed for the school at Burlington. 
Young as he was he had already obtained a reputation 
for capacity to teach. His steadiness, close application, 
and scrupulous discharge of duty, added to this qualifi- 
cation, overweighed his youth, and he was offered the 
charge of the district school at that place. He accepted 
it joyfully. It was indeed a great advance for him, both 
in position and emolument. 

Each of the richer sort in the district, at that time, 
took turns in having the " master " at their houses ; and 
so he was '^ billeted," first on one and then upon another, 
by the week or month as the case might be. The same 
habit prevails still in remote and thinly populated dis- 
tricts. This relieved him at once of a great charge. 
His board cost him nothing; his salary was quite 
doubled, and he was free to apply the whole of it to the 
support of his family. The place, too, was perhaps as 
pleasant a one as could be found for the discharge of 
his duties. 

Burlington county is one of the most productive and 
wealthiest in the State. Principally inhabited by Quakers, 
or the descendants of Quakers, hospitality and good living 
abound. They live in fact upon the fat of the land, and 
are a lively, worldly, thrifty race, delighting in fat cat- 
tle, fine horses, and social merry-makings. Very little 
of the Quaker sternness remains. Plainness in dress, and 
some peculiar forms of speech, are about all that is left 
of the peculiarities which exposed the '' people called 
Quakers " to so much persecution for conscience sake 
during their earlier history. 

Spencer's lively manners and high spirits, added to 
an agreeable person, very soon made him an universal 
favorite. Fortunately, too, for him, he had got his 
growth, and when not quite sixteen had developed into 
a precocious manhood ; and although the majority of his 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 43 

pupils were older than himself, he secured their obe- 
dience and esteem. It required, however, all the exer- 
tion of his fortitude to resist the influences with which 
he was surrounded, and make his duty the first thing 
alwaj^s in his thoughts; for he was so much in favor 
with the whole neighborhood that no party of pleasure, 
tea-drinking, nor dance was perfect without him. Out 
of this flattery, so seductive to a very young man, he 
came, however, pretty safely. 

Amongst his scholars was George Wood, long one of 
our most celebrated counsel in this State, whom he pre- 
pared for College. 

He always recollected with pleasure that passage in 
his teacher's life, and was accustomed to say that he had 
passed as many agreeable hours in the little stone school 
house at Burlington, as in any other place he could call 
to mind. 

At that time Dr. Abercrombie was principal of the 
High School or chief Academy in Philadelphia. An 
acquaintance had subsisted between them for some time, 
and such was the doctor's partiality for Spencer, that spite 
of his youth, he insisted upon his undertaking the second 
place, or assistant to the principal, in his academy. The 
offer was too flattering to be refused, and he removed 
himself and family to Philadelphia. Here he entered 
upon the discharge of his duties with the same activity 
and earnestness as ever, and justified the good doctor's 
partiality. He very soon found, however, that living in 
the country and the city were two things, and although 
his salary as a teacher was much larger, his family 
expenses were larger still. It was absolutely necessary 
to make up the deficiency by some other work than 
I teaching. His predilections were in favor of the law, 
and he resolved to study for the profession. In doing 
sOj however, it was indispensable to combine the 



4:4 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 

acquirement of legal knowledge with, money-making. 
He entered therefore the office of Mr. Geib, at that time 
a prominent lawyer in Philadelphia, as student and 
copyist. No sooner were the Latin grammar and awful 
ferule laid aside, and the glad urchins freed from the 
imprisonment of school, than he hastened to the law 
office, and plunged into Coke and Blackstone. And 
when the daylight failed, instead of rest or recreation, he 
commenced his employment as copyist, taking the draft 
home from the office, and constantly writing until one 
and two o'clock at night. 

As might readily be expected, no frame however 
strong, nor health however rugged, could long endure 
such uninterrupted labor, and the sedentary nature of 
his various employments began, after a while, to tell 
threateningly upon his constitution. He lost his fresh, 
country complexion ; his appetite failed, and frequent 
pain in the breast threatened him with serious conse- 
quences. 

Nothing, however, could divert him from the prose- 
cution of his plan of life, nor from the effort to make 
both ends meet by added labor ; and he toiled on, and 
hoped on, in spite of weariness and pain. 

During his school-life, whether as scholar or student, 
he was remarkable for his proficiency in two branches 
of English education — geography and mathematics. 
The latter he never cultivated much in after life, 
although his capacity for making rapid and accurate 
mental calculations, and for the disentangling of mathe- 
matical puzzles, continued to old age, and its exercise 
always gave him pleasure. But in geography his 
attainments were remarkable throughout life. The 
acquirements of youth were not only not lost by lapse 
of years, but they were yearly — almost, indeed, daily, 
increased. He often related that, when at school, he 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 45 

could give, on the instant, the boundaries of all the 
counties in Ireland, the departments of France, and the 
provinces of India. 

The deep and untiring interest he always took, as a 
Christian, in every missionary effort throughout the 
world, led him to complete his studies in this favorite 
branch. It formed a striking feature in his addresses 
and sermons on this part of Christan philanthropy ; and 
his accurate and ready knowledge of the countries 
which his topic had to do with, their climate, bounda- 
ries, rivers, productions, and physical and moral charac- 
teristics, enabled him to interest an audience directly in 
them. He seemed rather to be talking of places he had 
seen and lived in, than of countries thousands of miles 
away, and rarely explored except by adventurous 
travellers. His graphic descriptions of the rivers on 
which Judson, or Boardman, or Carey floated beneath 
the burning sun of India ; of the mountains they crossed, 
and where the paths led over them ; of the towns and 
villages, and fields of paddy on their banks — of the zayats, 
where they preached the glad tidings of salvation for 
sinners to the heathen — always arrested the attention of 
his audience, and won their ears, at least, to the cause 
he pleaded for. 

He took his audience with him to the very place he 
was describing, and surrounding them with all its 
peculiar accessories, compelled them to listen, as it were, 
rather to the missionary himself, and read the record of 
his mission in the keen eye of the watchful Brahmin — the 
cunning incredulity of the boatman of the Ganges, or the 
Irrawaddy ; the gentle hope first lighting up some sin- 
gle convert's face ; the rapt attention of all — than to 
himself. It could not be art, although it had the 
effect of the highest art — it was more than art — it was 
a pure inspiration of the missionary spirit, the love of 



46 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOlSr CONE. 

souls warming every sentence, and throwing a halo 
around every period. 

His health at last warning him that he could not 
continue to combine the avocations of a teacher, law- 
student, and copyist much longer, without peril of his 
life, he had recourse to the advice of his friends, to con- 
firm him in what he should do. Many advised, and 
talked, and sympathized, as men commonly do, to no 
practical purpose. The majority, indeed, gave then, 
as they do now, very wise advice, and no help ; being 
very ready to say, do this, or do that, but making no 
offer to show how either this or that were to be begun. 

In this conjuncture the more practical advice of an Epis- 
copal bishop determined his course of action. Waiting 
upon this gentleman, who had, on many former occa- 
sions, evinced a lively interest in his success, he besought 
him to counsel him. The good bishop, after expatiating 
upon the singular advantages bestowed on him by 
nature, advised him to take orders in the Episcopal 
Church ; offering, in the warmest and most generous 
manner, if he would do so, to provide for him, and 
see that he was entirely supported whilst studying 
for the profession. Nor did he fail to lay before him 
all the advantages which would accrue to himself and 
family from an acceptance of the offer : position, ease, 
influence, reputation — ultimately, no doubt, the highest 
honors in the church. It was a tempting off'er for a 
young and needy man, conscious of ability, and chafing 
at a world which gave him no chance for its exercise. 
But the Baptist leaven was too strong in him. He 
knew too well that the ministrv of the Word of life is 
the gift of God, and not of man. He had, even then, 
too frank and honest a reverence for holy things to tam- 
per with them uncalled of God, and he modestly but 
firmly rejected the proposition. The good bishop then 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOK CONE. 47 

told him, if he would not take orders, he knew of but 
one thing he could do to immediate advantage, and for 
which his remarkable voice and other physical advan- 
tages eminently fitted him — and that was — to go on the 
stage. He took the well-meant but dangerous advice, 
and became an actor. 

He made his first appearance in July 1805, as Achw£t^ 
in the tragedy of Mahomet, and attracted immediate 

I attention. The old Chesnut street Theatre, in Philadel- 
phia, was then at the zenith of its glory, and the company 
a strong and talented one. Wood, Wignall, Jefferson, 
Francis, Blissett ; — Mesdames, Wood, Duff, and many 

; others renowned in theatric story, were upon the 

'boards, and the best evidence of Spencer's talent is to be 
found in the fact that he took immediate rank, and won 
immediate popularity, although a mere boy, and with 

I all the odds of experience and established favor against 
him. 

In answer to any objections that have been, or may 
be urged against this step, by those who never knew 
what it was to be poor, but " more proud than poor, and 
more honest than proud;" who never went through the 

i sharp struggle for the means of a respectable livelihood 
and the support of a beloved and helpless family — he 
shall answer for himself. In a letter written during the 
fall of 1810, he says : — " In a moment of desperation I 

1 adopted the profession of an actor. It was inimical to 
the wishes of my mother : It was in direct opposition to 
my own feelings and principles ; but it was the only 
way by which I had a hope of extricating myself from 
my pecuniary embarrassments, and much as the world 
has condemned me for the step, I never have repented 
taking it. It has answered the end proposed. We have 
lived comfortably. I see my brother and sisters as well 
educated as their standing in society demands ; and if 



48 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

no nnforeseen misfortune awaits me, I shall, by next 
spring, liave some little beforehand. ^ ^ -^ ^ ^ 

" You know me as I really am. Tou have taken the 
trouble to judge of me, not from circumstances or report, 
but from my general conduct and principles. You see, 
no doubt, much to blame, and some little perhaps to 
praise. Filial duty and brotherly love have formed my 
rules of action. I have too often swerved from their 
principles, but I trust they have for the most part 
directed my course through life, and the sincere aifec- 
tion of my mother and sisters more than repays me for 
an age of suffering." 

This was written on his return from the theatre in 
the evening — written whilst exercising the profession 
to which it refers. It has the merit therefore of pre- 
senting a true picture of his mind at that period. It 
shows with what eyes he looked upon his calling ; 
frankly confessing it was distasteful to him, and as 
frankly urging the reasons which rose superior to his 
inclination and constrained his conduct. 

Ambitious of distinction in whatever he undertook, 
he was a hard student in his profession. He read 
much, and assiduously ; formed his style upon the best 
models, and gladly accepted instruction. His tempera- 
ment, physical quickness and versatility of mind, inclined 
him to the Garrick school, and he copied the style of that 
great master as closely as his genius enabled him. The 
effect of this was always evident in him. In a different 
and nobler walk in life, he lost all the characteristics of 
the mere actor in the unfeigned passion and vehement 
force of the orator. But the grace and majesty of the 
Garrick school ; its pantomimic adaptation of the "word 
to the action, the action to the word, with the special 
observance of never overstepping the modesty of 
nature ;" its lightning like transitions from touching 



LITE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 49 

pathos to fiery invective ^ its rapid play of feature, 
delineating to the eye every changing passion as it 
moved the speaker^s soul ; its infinite variety of delicate 
and subtle strokes and touches, developing an undis- 
covered beauty in the plainest and most commonplace 
expressions — all these remained, and grew year by year 
— giving a character to his oratory so peculiar and com- 
manding,- that the mere report of his spoken words, as 
taken down by phonography, affords no better impres- 
sion of its power and effect, than a description of 
colors to a man born blind. Off tlie stage he 
associated but little with the profession. The house of 
Mrs. Warren, the Siddons of the American stage, was 
the only one at which he visited. A woman of high 
social standing, refined manners, and great ability, her 
receptions were graced by the best talent, and most 
distinguished people of the time. Lawyers, poets, 
soldiers, and artists, formed around her a society 
celebrated for the purity of its tone, and the wit and 
agreeability of its character. He always spoke of her as 
a woman fitted to adorn any station in society. A more 
instructive and scarcely less brilliant coterie gathered 
constantly at his mother's house, when fortune began to 
smile on them, and the efforts of her son placed her in 
a position to receive and entertain the world of wit and 
letters. Her son's public position and popularity* 
gathered, as it always does, the crowd of popularity- 
worshippers around him, and her firm and penetrating 
mind rapidly culled from amongst it such as were mosc 
congenial to its elevated instincts. She possessed 
besides peculiar powers of amusement and attraction. 
Her reading was large and varied, and especially on 
historical subjects she was replete with information. 
His sister says : — 

" Dear mother was a woman of great gifts and won- 

B 



50 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

derful acumen by nature. When we were children, 
and, of course, very ignorant, we would be constantly 
asking her questions. She could always tell us what 
we wanted to know. It was so still when we grew 
older, and got more sense, and knew more ourselves. 
So that at last we concluded she was fairly an Encyclope- 
dia of useful knowledge. She was cheerful, and always 
mild, and meek, and patient. Her nature was exqui- 
sitely tender, and yet she had the fortitude of a soldier. 
She sang sweetly, and conversed with ease and brilliancy. 
She was very pious. Her sensibility and sudden sense 
of right never made her severe, for she possessed melting 
charity ; she had a clear head, and a sound judgment. 
She was almost always sick. I scarcely remember to 
have seen her w^ell. But when suffering the most we 
would say to her, 'Dear mother, that was hard.' She 
would reply, ' Oh no ! — others suffer ; why should I be 
exempt V And in strict truth I never heard her complain. 
Only just think of it — twelve or fifteen years of constant 
suffering, and not a peevish word. "^ "^ ^ ^ ^Ye were 
all brought up to observe the Sabbath as strictly as they 
do in Puritan New England. "When father wa§ well in 
his mind we always had family worship night and 
morning. But, you know poor father was often melan- 
choly and out of his right mind, and then that good 
mother had to use all the qualities I have told you of. 
But she was a host in herself. We delighted in her. 
We all looked up to her. She was our everything. 
She never shone brighter than in adversity ; and, by the 
way, that was the school we were brought up in. We 
did not get the first honors as our mother and brother 
Spencer did, but we studied hard in it. Brother Spencer 
was always a good boy— I used to think he was so good ; 
he was just such a boy as AVashington." 

This letter is written by a woman who has reached 






LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 51 

the allotted term of human life — three score years and 
ten — but it has a dash of the family chai-acter about it, 
and shows that Spencer did not by any means monopo- 
lize all the ability or talent of the stock, although he 
got the " first honors" in the school where they were 
educated. The natural partiality of a sister is displayed 
in a strong comparison ; but it is every way excusable. 
It is not strange that a sister should speak warmly of 
one who seldom failed to plant a strong and durable 
afi'ection in the hearts of all who knew him. 

From 1805 to 1810 he devoted himself assiduously to 
the study of his profession, playing principally in Phila- 
delphia, Baltimore, and Alexandria. At that time he 
was almost the only American on the stage, and this 
circumstance, added to his own intrinsic merits, drew 
around him a staunch circle of admirers. It was not 
the fashion of that day for a man to claim much merit 
for being an American. The fact of his being so was 
rather considered as imposing larger duties, than as 
conferring superior claims upon public favor. It had, 
however, undoubtedly great weight in the minds of the 
young and ardent admirers of the drama, and gave him 
evidently a warm place in their hearts. A writer of thea- 
trical chronicles glances at a circumstance which occur- 
red about the middle of his stage life, strongly illustra- 
tive of his popularity : 

''The theatrical life of Mr. Cone was not altogether 
free from turmoil ; and on one occasion he was the 
cause, innocently perhaps, of an emeufe^ which in ferocity 
and violence was not much excelled by the scene at 
Astor Place Opera House, originating in the quarrels 
between Forrest and Macready." 

lie was undoubtedly innocent of any intention or act 
of violence ; and was at a distance from the theatre, 
and ignorant of the danger to public tranquillity, when 



53 LIP'E OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

summoned by a breathless messenger, and besought to 
hasten there, as his presence alone could be relied on to 
calm the popular irritation. He obeyed the summons, 
rushed to the theatre, and in five minutes had gained, as 
he knew so well how to do, entire control of the crowd. 
A dozen sentences of his passionate eloquence appealing 
to them as American citizens to respect the public 
peace, to respect him, and to respect themselves too 
much to sully the name of either by acts of violence — 
restored comparative order, and checked at once a scene 
which might have had the most disastrous results both 
for property and life. 

The reason of this threatening exhibition of popular 
feeling was that another actor, not a Philadelphian, it is 
believed, had interfered with Spencer H., and appropria* 
ted one of his peculiar '^ parts," and one secured to him 
by the articles of his engagement. Spencer H. was an 
American, admired as an actor, and beloved as an out- 
spoken patriot and citizen by every Philadelphian. 
Hence they would not endure for an instant that their 
fellow-countrj^man and favorite should even appear to 
be subordinated to, or imposed upon by a stranger. 
The public sentiment was so marked, and its determi- 
nation so unmistakable, that the manager agreed to refer 
it to two distinguished gentlemen of Philadelphia, who 
decided that Mr. Cone was entitled to the part. The 
manager yielded gracefully and at once, and Spencer H. 
took the position secured to him by the articles of his 
engagement. 

His very success, however, was repulsive to his feel- 
ings. He was mortified even by triumph, and felt 
humiliated at being in a position where his very virtues, 
and claims upon the love and friendship of his fellow- 
citizens, might be turned into material to inflame their 
passions, and produce acts of lawless violence. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOISr COIsrE. 63 

It was from that occasion, wliicli on a less just and 
well-balanced mind, wonld have produced an entirely 
opposite eifect, and aroused sentiments of vanity and 
overweening confidence, that his disgust for the stage 
begun to date. He has often said that the train of rea- 
soning it gave rise to in his mind was this : " If, by the 
exercise, merely, of the power of simulating the passions 
of courage, love, virtue, and whatever else it is the pro- 
vince of tragedy or comedy to exhibit in the most 
heroic shape, I have obtained such power over the afiec- 
tions of any portion of my fellow-men, as to make them 
willing to endanger their lives and reputations in my 
defence — winning them by "a fiction and a dream of 
passion;" how much nobler and more worthy of an 
American it would be to live the reality of heroic vir- 
tues — to act instead of mimicking the deeds of greatness. 
I will be a living worker in the world — I will play no 
more." 

From that moment, although years passed before he 
could realize his wishes, his most anxious desire and 
eff*ort was to strike into some path which lay among the 
realities of life, and where usefulness and honor might 
be his companions. 

This determination was strengthened, too, by a cir- 
cumstance which occurred about the same time. He 
made accidentally the acquaintance of the woman des- 
tined by Providence to be his wife, and such a wife as 
few great men have ever had to support, inspirit, sustain, 
and console them through their struggles — for all great- 
ness implies a constant struggle against a thousand 
enemies. In the Christian warfare, it implies it above 
all — a struggle against foes within and foes without — a 
tempting devil, and a deceitful human heart — -the 
world, the flesh, and Satan, all combining, to strike the 
bravest soldier of the Cross down into the mire and filth 



54: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

of their own corrnption and hatred to God and to his 
work. God blessed him in nothing more signally than 
in bestowing upon him a wife brave, earnest, simple- 
hearted, and clear-headed ; always wrapped up in her 
husband and his happiness ; seeing, with constant 
anxiety, but also with constant joy, how he had his 
Master's work to do, and so devoting herself to make 
his home a place of rest and strengthening for him in 
the pauses of the battle. She was like a ministering 
angel, always beside him to console in disappointment, 
to animate for renewed effort. How strangely she was 
brought to this, her history will show\ 

In the city of Philadelphia, in the year 1810, there 
dwelt a w^idow, whose name was Mary Morrell, the 
widow of Robert Morrell, a man of wealth, and one of 
the earnest spirits of his time. Having served bravely, 
in several vessels, during the w^ar, and particularly 
under Commodore Barron and Paul Jones, with the 
latter of whom he was on board the " Bon Homme 
Eichard," at the celebrated capture of the " Serapis," 
and burning of "Whitehaven — he returned to Philadel- 
phia, and died shortly after the close of the war, leaving 
his family a good estate. The bad management of his 
trustees and executors finally dissipated the greater part 
of the property, but at the time of Mr. Morrell's death 
he was esteemed one of the wealthy men of Philadelphia. 

Mrs. Morrell had four daughters, Elizabeth, Hannah, 
Sally, and Maria, and one son, Pobert: The latter died 
when very young. The widow's only brother. Chandler 
Price, was an eminent merchant, and a man, not only 
reputed rich, but really so. Living in the same place 
with his sister, who was tenderly attached to him, he 
was much looked up to by her and by her children. He 
had, indeed, the main control of her property and busi- 
ness, and his recommendations were always acted upon. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 55 

In the course of time, as Sally was growing into woman- 
hood, she, being a great favorite with her uncle, went 
to live in his house. 

It was a gay house, and always full of company. Its 
owner, opulent and hospitable, of lively manners and 
large information, gathered constantly there a numerous 
and brilliant society. 

In the incessant round of dinner-parties, balls, and 
fetes, of which her home was now the centre, how little 
did the young girl dream of the future which Provi- 
dence had in store for her. The spoiled child of fortune 
— the flattered beauty of a worldly and pleasure-seeking 
crowd, could hardly conceive the path her Master had 
marked out for her. She, the dashing, fashionable girl, 
educated to look upon the world as a great scene of 
elegant amusement, and social contest for place and 
power, pampered in every taste, and gratified in every 
wish, to become the wife of a Baptist preacher ! The 
idea would have appeared a monstrous one — almost, 
indeed, altogether an insult. What ! hear no praise — 
receive no homage — conquer no rivals? Bound her 
pleasures by the limits of a parsonage ; restrict her em- 
ployments to the bare : discharge of duties ; forget the 
world of fashion, in which she had occupied so notable 
a place, even more entirely than its giddy inhabitants 
would forget her ? — and all this to be a poor, plain Bap- 
tist preacher's wife ! She has often smiled over the odd 
kind of terror -she afterwards experienced at the idea. 
She had never heard the sect named ; never even 
reviled, although it was then, as now, " a sect every- 
where spoken against." She went to church on Sun- 
day morning. It was rather fashionable than otherwise. 
Indeed, as one of the women of her family had, in 
earlier times,- endowed schools and churches in Phila- 
delphia with lands and livings, it was thought necessary 



66 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOTTGHTOlSr CONE. 

and proper tliat somebody from the family sliould be 
seen in the old pew in Christ Church — especially if the 
weather was fine. But of true religion, of vital -godli- 
ness, she had no idea. 

At their first acquaintance, too, there was still 
less to shadow out the future. She, a proud woman 
of fashion ; he, a gay and dashing actor — young, 
beautiful, admired, both of them. They met at the 
theatre, in the public ball-room, on the race-course. 
Not in society, for their circles were difi'erent. Fasci- 
nated by his beauty and talents, the woman's heart 
broke through all the barriers of her exclusive life of 
society, and whilst she was pleasing herself with the 
idea that she was only admiring genius, and giving it 
its due by admitting it to closer converse than its lin e 
of exhibition could conventionally entitle it to — she 
was, in sober reality, rapidly coming to love the man. 

Her uncle penetrated the heart of her mystery even 
before herself, and indignantly scouted at the idea of 
such an intimacy. Spencer was to be avoided. She 
must not see him, speak to him, think of him. It was a 
terrible blow to his pride — and as to the idea of her 
ever marrying him — that was preposterous. So her 
good uncle set very busily to work to prevent the two 
from ever meeting ; Avhich was, of course, the cause of 
their meeting twice as often as formerly. He told her 
all kinds of hard things about poor Spencer H., which 
made her defend him heroically, and believe in him 
twice as firmly as before. For we all know how much 
more we love those for whom we suff'er, than those who 
siifi*er for us. It is very selfish, but very human. Poor 
fellow, he could not even speak to her a moment in 
peace, that uncle watched her so closely. 

In a little note of May 25th, 1810, he says : — 

"My sister Eliza will hand you a copy of D'Israeli's 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 57 

Romances. I purchased it on purpose to present it to 
you. But just as I was conning over in my mind some 
fine speech, that would be suitable to the occasion, your 
uncle, very ill-naturedly, surprised us at the stone step, 
in Front street. So I was, of course, compelled to return 
the book to my pocket, and walk quietly home. The 
romantic love-tale of ' Mejnoun and Leila' will help 
you kill a dull hour or two. I am sure you will admire 
it. It gives a more correct picture of true love than 
any story I have met with. The passion is carried to 
excess, 1 admit, but still, the situations are so interesting, 
and their misfortunes so pathetically described, that 
none but hearts of stone could help sympathizing with 
them. I wrote your name on the title-page, but after- 
wards erased it, fearing it might involve you in some 
disagreeable question about * Who gave it to you?' It 
seems almost an age, when I think of the six months to 
come that I shall be separated from you. But upon 
reflection, 'tis better so. "Were I in Philadelphia, you 
would often, I fondly hope, honor me with your arm, 
as we strolled up Chesnut street. Some good-natured 
friend would certainly convey this useful information to 
your uncle, and he, in a rage, would probably lock you 
up, and deny you the light of the sun, though it shines 
equally upon the just and upon the unjust. 

" * Alas, I am a nameless wight ! 
Trod in the mire and out of sight.' 

This is a strange world, where men creep about for 
years to find, at last, nothing more, perhaps, than dis- 
honorable graves." 

''The course of true love never yet ran smooth." 
That terrible uncle ruffled it greatly ; but God had too 
much for both Spencer and Sally to do in the world, for 
human pride to hinder them. 

3^ 



58 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON GONE. 

We cannot give a better history of his mind and 
fortunes at that time, than he himself gives in the few 
letters we are so fortunate as to have found. It is to be 
regretted that they are so few ; for he wrote, as he 
always did, just as he felt, without effort or disguise. 
Speaking of his Sally, he says : — ■ 

"We, in common with the rest of mankind, are 
searching after happiness — it is our being's end and aim. 
As free agents, we have an undoubted right to make use 
of whatever means are honorable to attain, if possible, 
this desirable object. Reason and judgment were given 
us in vain, if we are not to be allowed the privilege of 
exercising them ; and even our hearts are of no value 
if they can be disposed of as the whim or caprice of 
another may direct. 

'' But we are young, and can wait. 

" I shall yet, I hope, be possessed of a peaceful home 
to shelter her in — neat if not splendid — -where, though 
we may be deserted by the votaries of fashion, we shall 
still enjoy the bliss which flows from perfect esteem and 
sympathy of soul — 

" * Thought meeting thought, and will preventing will, 
With boundless confidence' — 

A bliss, in my opinion, far preferable to midnight revels, 
or the boisterous merriment of those whose lucky stars, 
and not their merits, have raised to the gilded couch of 
affluence and luxury. Happiness does not depend on 
riches : it is found alike in every sphere. 

"/ Who finds content will find her there ! 
'Tis to no rank of life confined 
But dwells in every honest mind.' " 

It is observable that although harshly spoken of, and 
bitterly attacked by all the malevolence of wounded 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 59 

pride, he never speaks harshly of others. They are 
endeavoring to disappoint his most cherished hopes ; 
to break up his dearest plans ; and yet at an age when 
men are rarely very patient, and when his mind was 
naturally much embittered by unjust reflections upon 
his profession and himself — a constant vein of elevated 
morality and calm reasoning pervades everything he 
says. 

Being rallied for his melancholy and gravity as a 
lover, he replies : — " True love is I think ever serious — 
not light and frivolous. It warms the heart with every 
generous principle of humanity, and kindles in the 
breast the spirit of universal benevolence. It softens 
the roughness of the disposition ; ameliorates the 
unkindly frowns of fortune, and dispels all selfishness 
from the mind. A passion such as this deserves the 
cordial embrace of the man of honesty and honor, and 
could never be intended by the great author of our 
being to entail misery on its possessor." 

How just the sentiments of the following extract of a 
letter written July 8th 1810, from Washington, where 
he was then playing — how clearly it exhibits the 
character of his mind — a character heightened by the 
grace of God in after years to an earnest faith, but even 
amid all the seductions of the society in which he 
then moved, aided by the weakness of an unrege- 
nerate heart, strong enough to preserve him, by God's 
blessing, in a course of rectitude which " won golden 
opinions from all sorts of people." 

" Eeason and reflection convince me that real happi- 
ness is the offspring of virtue, and the inseparable com- 
panion of content. How vain then to sigh for the riches 
of Golconda — the gold mines of Peru or Potosi. Were 
they in our actual possession, content might refuse us 
the honor of her company, and happiness would con- 



60 LIFE OF SPENGER HOTJGHTOX CONE. 

seqiiently desert us — offended at the absence of her 
inesthnable associate. .Sufficient for the day are the 
evils thereof. We should discard therefore all unneces- 
sary solicitude for the future. With heartfelt pleasure, 
I exert every faculty with which nature has endowed 
me to procure comfort and competence for those who 
are entwined about my heart by the strong ties of con- 
sanguinity and affection. I trust confidently that the 
beneficent power which called me into existence will 
deign to smile upon my endeavors, and crown them 
ultimately with success. I am confident we were never 
intended for such wretched desponding creatures as we 
make ourselves. When our hearts throb in unison with 
the dictates of love, of honor, and of friendship, it is 
impious to say that we are not blessed with a very large 
share of the good things of this life — sufficfient indeed, 
could we but prevail on ourselves to cultivate w^isdom 
and virtue, to ensure us content and peace. But, alas . 
our good sense is too often blinded, and we suffer our- 
selves to be led into the vortex of fashionable folly and 
vice, without consulting our judgments, or reflecting 
that we are accountable for our actions to Him who 
made us. When I reflect upon my past life, I am 
almost tempted to 'believe implicitly in the doctrine of 
predestination P^ 

How firmly he held it afterwards ; how gloriously he 
preached it ! The sublime assurance that the children 
of the covenant are predestined from before the founda- 
tion of the world, that they should be heirs of God and 
joint heirs with Jesus Christ, shone, from the hour of 
his conversion, as a constant light upon his path. The 
study of the Word of Life fortified it with argument ; but 
the conviction of its truth was an inspiration of the soul. 
It was this controlling, and absorbing reliance upon the 
predestinating love of God which animated him to 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 61 

every effort. How could a man who, in the councils of 
eternity, was foreordained of God to be a son — a laborer 
in bis vineyard — ever dare to doubt or waver? Once 
convinced of bis calling and election in Cbrist Jesus, 
tbere was but one tbing for bim to say — " Here am I, 
Lord ! Wbat wouldst tbou bave me to do ?" And if 
God graciously voucbsafed an answer to prayer, and 
pointed by His providence to tbe patb of duty, flesb and 
blood was not to be consulted. Tbe captain of tbe Lord's 
host gave tbe order ; tbe soldier of tbe Cross obeyed it — 
careless of consequences. He left tbem witb Him wbo 
knew tbe end from tbe beginning. 

" From tbe time tbat be beard M'Glaugblin preacb 
on tbe balm of Gilead, bis mind bad never been at rest 
on tbe subject of bis salvation. By day and by nigbt 
God called bim to repentance. At one time a frigbtful 
dream would alarm bim." — Dr, Armitage, 

In a sermon to tbe young, in 1844, be tbus describes 
the remarkable dream alluded to : — 

''Blessed witb health and a great flow of animal 
spirits, God was not in all my thoughts; but though I 
had forgotten Him, He bad not forgotten me ; and He 
was pleased to visit me in a dream, which no changes 
of time or place can erase from memory. 

'' I seemed to be falling down a well, backwards, with 
my face turned towards the top. There I saw one 
standing, having tbe appearance of a man. His face 
was fresh and ruddy ; his eyes, like tbe blue sky, 
beamed with benevolence, and I recollect his counte- 
nance as distinctly as though I had seen it but yesterday. 
He intimated bis willingness to lift me out of tbe well 
if I wished ; but I looked to the sides, and looked down, 
and saw here and there projections of earth and stones, 
and imagining that I could lay hold upon these and 
climb up myself, I declined his assistance. I now began 



62 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOISr CONE. 

to sway my body to the riglit and left, and to make 
vigorous efforts to lay hold upon some projection, and 
thereby arrest my downward course ; conscious, all the 
while, that the Being at the top of the well, whether 
man or angel, was able and willing to help — ^but I was 
resolved to save myself. In an instant, to my utter 
amazement, the well immeasurably widened, like the 
mouth of a bell, and was lost in the bottomless pit. The 
flames almost touched me ; my arms sank lifeless by my 
side; my strength was gone, my heart seemed to be 
suffocated and ready to burst ; I looked up to the good 
Being at the top of the well; he stood there still, regard- 
ing me with the tenderest compassion ; in^ unspeakable 
anguish I cried, ' Save me ! save me !' and in a moment 
I was at the top of the well — I was safe ! and the terrors 
of my dream all vanished away. I have never regarded 
dreams as worth remembering, and yet this dream told 
me the story of my life in such vivid colors, that I could 
not drive it from my mind. I was oppressed — terrified 
— at the prospect of Hell, and began to pray and read 
the Bible diligently." 

The Eev. Dr. Cox (Presbyterian), paid a beautiful 
tribute, in the course of the funeral services, to his 
character as a man, and we introduce it to show that 
our fidelity as a historian is sustained by the evidence 
of a witness as disinterested as distinguished. He said : 

"My Christian friends, being accidentally, by which 
I mean providentially, in this city, my heart, as if mag- 
netized, brought me to this spot; and though I am 
speaking in the presence of hundreds who probably 
knew Brother Cone better than I did, I doubt if there 
are ten who have known him so long. Some ten or 
twelve years since. Dr. Milner, Dr. Cone and myself, 
met upon a committee, as w^e often had done before, in 
this city. We used to live together in Philadelphia, all 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 63 

of US ignorant of God. I recollect that Dr. Milner, 
upon that occasion asked, ' Do you know where first we 
met?' 'Yes,' said Dr. Cone, 'at the theatre; and do 
you know where we all expect to meet?' We all 
looked upwards in hope of the mediation of the 
Lord Jesus Christ, to whom we were all indissolubly 
and for ever united by faith. I will simply add, that 
while Dr. Milner was a member of Congress and a dis- 
tinguished lawyer, he was awakened and began to seek 
God, in the autumn of 1812. In the same autumn so 
did I, although the youngest of the three, and I believe 
it was in the next spring that Brother Cone began to 
seek and to find Him who first sought and found him. 
And do you think that it is with any ordinary interest 
that I contemplate this scene ? If it is a fact that on some 
points we difi*ered5 it is a grander fact that on -greater 
and more points we agreed. I always felt that he was 
my brother, and I am very glad to hope that in the 
resurrection of the just, the Universe will know that we 
were brothers. I say to him, ' Farewell, sleeper in 
Jesus.' Them that sleep in Jesus, shall God bring unto 
him. ' Of all that my father hath given me will I lose 
nothing, but will raise it up again at the last day.' It 
is almost half a century since I first became acquainted 
with our deceased brother — since he first impressed me 
with the brilliancy of his genius, the power of his voice 
and the strength of his mind. Long before he became 
a Christian I knew him in the city of Philadelphia and 
I am happy to attest — as few men can do now, because 
they are gone — that his character for morality, and for 
a domestic and holy affection, I had almost said, for his 
mother and other relatives, had won for him a peculiar 
fame, even before he knew Christ. But he is gone, and 
I have no doubt that Heaven is richer, as I am sure 
Earth is poorer, because he has left us." 



64 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 



OHAPTEE Y. 

1810-11-12. 

The summer of 1810 was spent as usual in Baltimore, 
Washington and Alexandria. On the 6th of August he 
left Washington, to fulfill an engagement at the latter 
place. A few days after his arrival, he met with an 
accident which laid him up for some time. In a letter 
dated August 17th he alludes briefly to it : 

" I have been confined to niy room this week, and 
shall be I fear for a fortnight to come. In returning 
home from the Falls of the Potomac, the carriage was 
overturned ; I was tumbled underneath it, and my leg 
bruised most villainously from the knee to the ankle. 
So here I am, all alone in this town of Alexandria, with 
my foot mounted on a chair and pillow, and my gentle 
disposition in not the sweetest of all possible moods of 
course. It was a miracle my limbs or my neck did not 
get broken, for I was on the lower side, and all the 
people in the carriage came thundering down on my poor 
harmless shank. But there is a special providence even 
in the fall of a sparrow, and I hope I am sincerely grate- 
ful for my escape." 

On the 28th of the same month he says — " My leg is 
getting better — I act away at night, and sit with it 
perched upon a chair all day." The extracts of letters 
showing the character of his mind at this period, must 
necessarily appear desultory and unconnected, but it 
will be seen how constant a vein of correct thinking per- 
vades them. They show that his character was very 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 65 

early formed, and liis mind always occupied in the 
endeavor to arrive at truth. 

Thus he is recommending study to a friend, and says : 
" I am confident your mind is capable of the utmost 
refinement, and nothing is requisite to attain this desi- 
rable end but perseverance and industry. You well 
know that all the attractions of the fairest form soon 
lose their magic charm, if not supported, by an improved 
taste and cultivated understanding. Who then that has 
soul or reason, would not exert their every nerve to ren- 
der their minds at least as beautiful and eno;ao^ino; as 
their persons ! Their minds that live for ages — their 
persons, alas ! like a summer flower, so soon cut down. 
This language is inconsistent with the customs and prin- 
ciples of the gay world in w^hich you live, but not, I 
trust, entirely ungrateful to you. How can we better 
thank the Author of our existence, than by improving 
the noble faculties He has bestowed upon us ? In what 
way can we so readily achieve our own earthly comfort, 
or how pass the hours of a life made dreary by disap- 
pointment or poverty, with so much enjoyment as in 
communicating our sentiments to our friends, conversing 
with them, and if possible instructing them ? You attach 
more difiiculty to the idea of writing than belongs to 
it. Your leisure hours are some of them undoubtedly 
employed in reading. Thoughts, conceptions, a variety 
of ideas and opinions must necessarily follow. You have 
then only to arrange the reflections, which the perusal of 
a well- written book occasions, to clothe these reflections 
in your own words, and a composition must be produced 
more or less perfect, according to the pains you have 
dedicated to it ! could you not write down your 
thoughts on love, friendship, manners ; the duties of 
wife or husband, parent or child ? You certainly have 
thoughts on all these subjects, and is it not as easy to 



66 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON- CONE. 

write tliem down, as to speak tliem to a friend ? Believe 
me, it is a habit soon acquired. A little attention will 
make it rather an amusement than a labor. Have you 
read the Scottish chiefs? Are you not moved by heroic 
actions ? Does not the glow of patriotism kindle in your 
bosom ? Emotions new, terrific, sublime, crowd upon 
you at the recital. Does not your soul put up a fervent 
prayer to heaven for the safety of Wallace, while storm- 
ing the walls of Dumbarton, or when marshalling his 
gallant band, against the oppressors of his country, upon 
the Carse of Sterling? I have not room to tell you 
w^hat I think of this admirable novel — a novel did I say? 
— 'tis a real history. Let me hear what you think of it." 

How delicately the timid correspondent is drawn 
out! How simple and admirable the rules laid down 
— to write without effort at finery or rhetoric — to write 
just as the emotion of the mind dictates. What a pity 
this rule were not universally followed. We should 
come something nearer carrying a window in our 
breasts, and truth w^ould perhaps forsake her w^ell, to 
live a little while in upper air. It must be remembered 
that this was written shortly after the appearance of 
Miss Porter's celebrated novel, and whilst it was the 
book of the day. 

In a letter dated October 16th, 1810, occurs the first 
intimation of his intention to abandon the stage. The 
reasons he urges are precisely the same he ever after- 
wards did, and his consistency shows that in this as in 
all other actions of his life he proceeded upon calm 
reflection, and was governed by principles, not impulses. 

" My profession," he says, " which I adopted from 
necessity, is becoming every day more disgusting to me. 
It destroys all reflection which alone can improve and 
enlighten the human mind. I pray heaven that I may 
speedily exchange it for something better in itself, and 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 67 

also more congenial to my feelings. What can be more 
degrading to the natm^e of man than to be stuck upon a 
stage for fools and clowns to gape at, or criticise. Fellows 
who can hardly write their ow^n name, and yet think 
themselves qualified to jndge — aj^prove— or condemn!" 

From this time he appears to have made untiring, 
though often foiled attempts, to secure a position more in 
accordance with his ideas of moral duty and manly 
effort. On the 29th of the same month he says : 

" You ascribe to me a greater depression of spirits 
than is really true. I am indeed rather more thoughtful 
than formerly, and care for the future frequently indu- 
ces serious reflection. But this I am far from consider- 
ing an evil. It is the lot of man to be assailed with 
adversity's keen shafts in some shape or other. This 
world is the school of misery, and our first lesson is to 
learn to suffer. He who knows not that, has lived for 
nothing. Whilst honor and integrity remain untar- 
nished, the heart is secure in its own strength. By 
refiecting upon our moral duties, the troubles incident 
to humanity, the native energies of the mind, and the 
great reward that perseverance never fails to receive, 
we acquire a confidence in ourselves, which, joined to a 
consciousness of habitual rectitude, can alone enable us 
not only to meet undismayed, but at last triumphantly 
to surmount the direst distresses." 

Once become the subject of serious reflection, his reso- 
lution appears to have acquired daily strength. On the 
2nd of September, 1811, he writes : 

''Since your absence, I have. been revolving in my 
mind my present situation, and have finally determined, 
let come what may, to abandon for ever a profession in 
which I find nothing congenial to my desires or tastes. 
It holds out to me no longer any allurement. I hope I 
shall not be deemed either thoughtless or culpable, for 



68 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

believing that the good Power above, who guides our 
actions, ' rough hew 'em how we will,' on poor Spencer 
H., will bestow some avocation more congenial to the 
wishes of his Friends, and the warm feehngs of his own 
heart. Your persuasion, seconded by my own inclina- 
tion, has caused this resolution, and I most fervently 
pray that it may tend to good. I have formed various 
schemes for future employment, none of which, perhaps, 
will be carried into effect. A circulating library in 
Baltimore is much wanted, and some of my friends 
there have thought an establishment of the kind would 
prove advantageous. But that and its success depend 
upon contingencies ; and as my expenses are absolute 
and certain, my receipts must be the same. Then I be- 
think me of opening an academy ; that requires no 
capital but a stock of brains and patience ; yet even 
these are rare articles, and having none myself, who of 
my intimates will have the goodness to supply me?" 

In referring to the absoluteness of his expenses, he 
means the necessity of providing for his mother's family. 
Both his parents at this time were ill. 

" My dear mother," he says, " is confined to her bed 
with a raging fever. She has been ill these three days. 
Heaven, in its infinite mercy, save and restore her to us. 
My father's insanity is changed to great debility and 
listlessness. Much as I have suffered on his account, 
and terrible as the trial is to see him so, I cannot but 
dread the probable termination of his present state. 
Mother's fortitude is indeed great, or she had long since 
sunk beneath the weight of accumulated griefs. But 
why should I make you acquainted with my troubles ? 
What a powerful agent is selfishness. We all bow to its 
infiuence. But for this I should never have abused the 
kind solicitude you manifest in whatever concerns me." 

It is not wonderful that his after life should have been 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 69 

marked by a grave and unwavering consistency of pur- 
pose ; nor that fortitude and calm self-reliance should 
have taken in him the air almost of stubbornness. The 
training of his youth prepared him for a course as 
decided as it was conscientious. It is highly remark- 
able, too, that whilst actively engaged in a profession, 
to use his own words, " more calculated, perhaps, than any 
other to stifle reflection, and banish thought," he should 
have constantly indulged in the most serious and just 
reflection. In spite, too, of the ridicule which would 
naturally attach itself, amongst worldly and wicked 
men, to such sentiments, so grave, so full of reproof for 
them and for himself, uttered by one of themselves — by 
one yet pursuing with ardor the vainest shadows of 
worldly distinction — encompassed with all the gaiety 
and dissipation of fashion — the centre of a circle of what 
we call to-day, " fast young men " — full of animal 
energy and spirit, and foremost in every racket match 
and race ball — in spite of all the irony it no doubt drew 
upon him, it is delightful to see how faithfully and 
bravely he utters the whole truth. 

His sister Catherine, a woman of lovely mind and 
disposition, and afterwards a bright ornament of the 
church, had been brought to the knowledge of the truth, 
as it is in Christ Jesus, and immersed into the name of 
the Triune God. A friend has written to him sneeringly 
about her ; insinuating that she was " too young," that 
it was '' pretence of being better than the rest of her 
young companions," and all the other common objec- 
tions of the unconverted, to whom the action of one of 
their own number, " remembering her Creator in the 
days of her youth," directs the most pointed and unan- 
swerable reproof. 

Spencer H., from the very midst of his gay and 
wicked companions, replies, April 19th, 1812 : — 



70 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

" 1 cannot but differ with you in opinion, as it respects 
my dear sister Catherine. Perhaps when you consider 
the subject attentively, divested of that prejudice which 
education is too apt to impose upon us all, you may 
think differently. 

" You, no doubt, remember, that when some would 
have driven away the children that pressed near Him, our 
blessed Saviour made use of those ever-memorable words, 
' Suffer the little children to come unto me, for of such 
is the kingdom of heaven.' Kitty's being ' so young,' 
therefore, instead of striking me as an objection, forms 
one of the strongest points in proof of the sincerity of 
her religious choice. A thousand passages of Scripture 
might be adduced to prove, conclusively, that — 

" ' Yoiith is the time to serve tlie Lord, 
The time to insure the great reward !' 

" What sacrifice do we make, to manifest our love 
and gratitude to Him who offered up His life to redeem 
a fallen race, if we postpone our acknowledgments of 
His infinite goodness, until the eleventh hour ? We try 
the world — w^e tread all the giddy mazes of pleasure — 
we taste of every sweet that promises enjoyment ; till at 
length the overburdened appetite sickens with satiety, 
and the fascinating allurements that once captivated our 
senses, charm us no more ! We look back upon our past 
life, npon the golden years of our youth, and find they 
have all been thrown away npon trifling objects, whose 
retrospection does not afford one pleasurable sensation. 
Consequently, it were absurd and ridiculous for us to 
pursue the same course to the end of our days, for we 
have already found that it cannot make us happy. We 
have kept companj^, and fiddled, and danced and sung, 
till w^e can do so no longer; and then, making virtue of 
necessity^ we religiously determine to become good, and 



LIFE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTON CONE. 71 

serve our Creator. But, .will he receive us, then? 
When our bodies were vigorous, and our minds ani- 
mated and elastic, instead of laying up a treasure, where 
*rust does not corrupt, and where thieves do not break 
in and steal,' we devoted them entirely to worldly plea- 
sures and worldly pursuits. How, then, can we expect 
that God will bend His ear unto our prayers, when we 
have nothing to offer up to Him but the mere wreck of 
that noble being He created ? Ah, no ! It is a fearful 
chance to put off Divine impulses. ' Behold, now is the 
accepted time ; behold, now is the day of salvation.' The 
present moment is ours — the next is in the womb of futu- 
rity, and we may never live to realize it. 

" Kitty has become a member of that holy church, 
whose walls, as Isaiah describes it, ' are called salvation, 
and whose gates are praise.' Is she not safer there, 
than if she had waited some years to try how potent are 
the temptations of the world ? If she has entered it 
with true sincerity of belief, and humility of heart — and 
this we do not doubt — is she not under the especial pro- 
tection of her Maker ? If we believe the Scriptures, we 
know she is ; ' for, where two or three are gathered 
together in my name, there am I in the midst of them,' 
Such are the consolatory words of that omniscient Being, 
the ' light of whose countenance ' does ever shine upon 
believers. How then can they go astray into the crooked 
paths of darkness ?" 

Shortly before this he had joined the Baltimore Union 
Artillery, and devoted himself at every leisure moment 
to an ardent study of military science. The cloud of 
war began, to gather in the distance. The English orders 
in council, and the celebrated Berlin and Milan decrees 
of Napoleon Bonaparte, had disturbed the commerce 
of the world. Men were attacked in their most sensi- 
tive point — their pocket — and even merchants and 



73 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOlNr CONE. 

traders, proyerbially, and in all communities, the most 
selfish and time-serving class, began to grow patriotic. 
John Bull, insolent and overbearing, as he has ever 
been, prior to his Crimean experiences, insulted and 
outraged the American flag whenever an opportunity 
offered. Our seamen were impressed, American citizen- 
ship scouted as a protection from the insolence and 
violence of British cruisers, and the men themselves 
taken by force from under the very guns of their own 
frigates, by English press-gangs. It was felt that war 
could not long be deferred. The first mention we find 
him make of his personal connection with the prepara- 
tions for the impending struggle, occurs in a letter, dated 
January Yth, 1812 :— 

'' They mustered us all yesterday, in Howard's Park, 
to stand a draft for the new army. I was so unfortunate 
as to draw a blank, and of course, shall not be permitted 
to march to Canada. Several of my friends here have 
been talking to me about obtaining a captain's commis- 
sion, as I have some powerful advocates at Court. For 
the present I have declined tlie honor. I'don't know 
why exactly. Not through fear, I trust, and not, I am 
sure^ from a disapprobation of the proposed war." 

For the time, therefore, he declined a commission in 
the army, and addressed himself to the task he had 
already marked out. His reasons for preferring it, he 
confesses to be solely his family-ties, and the dread of 
leaving mother and sister unprovided for, if a bullet 
should find its billet in his heart. Thus he says, March 
29th, 1812 :— 

" I have commenced the business of the ensuing year 
already, by canvassing for a school. All I have spoken 
to upon the subject assure me it cannot but succeed 
and I expect to have an academy furnished, and pupils 
enough engaged to warrant my opening it, by the first 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 73 

of June, at farthest, provided I can obtain the mana- 
ger's leave to absent myself from morning rehearsal, of 
which I have very little doubt. I am preparing myself 
with the utmost assiduity, to encounter any examination 
that may be made as it respects my capacity to teach 
grammar, elocution, mathematics, &c., &c., and I think 
two months' close application will store my memory 
with all those scholastic rules and usages in which I was 
once so perfect, but which a more than five years' inter- 
val has tended to obliterate. It will, indeed, prevent my 
sleeping so late as I have been accustomed to, or spend- 
ing so many hours with, my friends as usual, but the 
object I have in view is of power sufficient to inspire 
an idiot with the persevering industry of a Demos- 
thenes." 

But he could not obtain the desired permission to 
absent himself, and organize his academy, and "the 
necessities of present life " bound him hand and foot. 
Still his brain was busy with plans, and in May he 
writes : — ■" If war is not previously declared, I expect to 
be in Philadelphia about the middle of June. Some 
gentlemen here have offered me a share in a Commer- 
cial Dictionary, they are publishing, by which I think 
a considerable sum may be made, provided hostilities 
do not take place. But we are so near the seat of gov- 
ernment, that the only cry we hear is war ! war ! war ! 
Soldiers are constantly marching through the city, and 
the drum has scarcely ceased to beat for a single day 
since I arrived here." But his favorite scheme was the 
academy, and he felt the disappointment keenly. ^' I 
am vexed," he says, " and out of patience with this 
villainous, deceitful world. My proposed plan for Eng- 
lish and classical education met with no encouraging 
warmth — 'twas cold, chilling apathy. I had to ask sup- 
port and patronage from some whose charitable hearts 

4 



74: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

could scarcely be induced to believe that an actor might 
be an honest, intelligent being ; and not of necessity, 
either an idiot or a yagabond ! To have my principles 
or abilities called in question by fellows, whose under- 
standings could scarce aspire to the ^ composition of a cab- 
bage-net,' and whose hearts are as impervious to human 
feeling as their heads to a Greek epigram, is rather too 
much for an irritable creature, as you know I am, quietly 
to endure. 'Twas too much for flesh and blood." 

Happily for his desires, an opening presented itself, 
and at the close of his engagement, he entered the office 
of the " Baltimore American," as treasurer and book- 
keeper to the establishment. The paper was in a flour- 
ishing condition, the accounts numerous, and the duties 
of his post constant and laborious ; but he pursued them 
with a light heart, and untiring devotion. He had now 
been for more than two years engaged to be married to 
Miss Morrell. His love for her was passionate and 
intense ; his whole nature was absorbed by it. She had 
refused to marry him so long as he should remain upon 
the stage. His quitting it was a sine qua non with 
regard to their union. No labor, therefore, appeared 
hard to him, no effort beyond his strength. His habits 
underwent an entire change. " I rise regularly at five 
in the morning," he writes — '' ' from necessity, and not 
choice,' you'll say. No matter — I do it — and wend my 
way to the office, and post my books." 

To a friend in Philadelphia he writes, in July, 1812 : — • 
"While you are enjoying the sweets of retirement, 
and offering incense to the goddess Flora, we talk of 
nothing but the ^mailed Mars, up to the ears in blood.' 
AVe hear nothing but the martial drum, the shrill fife, 
the w^ar-blowing clarion. The battle-steed already rears 
his lofty head, proud of his patriotic rider ; and the 
warrior, snuffing oppression on the gale, with enthusias- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 75 

tic zeal, buckles on the al*mor of resistance with all a 
freeman's wonted alacrity ! Success to our cause ! and 
may all who have enlisted in its support 

" * Remember the heroes, our fathers, who stood, 
In the day of distress, side by side ; 
When the grass of the vallies grew red with their blood 
They stirred notj but conquered or died!' 

My heart pants with anxious solicitude for the fate 
of our gallant little navy. Rogers and Decatur will cer- 
tainly cover themselves with glory ! They will fight 
like heroes to the last, and die as" brave men ought ! 1 
tremble for their immediate safety, opposed as they are 
by overwhelming numbers. But let us confide in the 
God of battles, who will ultimately crown the cause of 
virtue with success." 

Every pulse of his heart throbbed with love of coun- 
try. It was not the product of thought and reason in 
him — ^it was a kind of nature. He was altogether 
American, and clung to everything which belonged to 
his country or bore her name, not so much with the 
calm persuasion of reason, as with the warm passion of 
the lover. America was the mistress of his soul. She 
was the home of freedom — the land of the brave. The 
soul of man had here room and verge enough for its 
expansion. No shackle bound the conscience. 'No 
power interposed between man and his Creator. A 
glorious equality elevated him to the highest point of 
humanity, and opened for him all the avenues of distinc- 
tion. Merit was the true rank; virtue the only order 
of nobility. She was a mistress worthy of the idolatry 
of a soul glowing with a poetic patriotism, a lofty faith 
in man's capacity for self government, and he loved her 
always with the same passionate devotion, the same 
republican energy of soul. There was no narrowness in 



76 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

his love. To be an American was, in his mind, to inherit 
a duty to all mankind. The world had never known 
before what it was to have a city of refuge. God had 
opened in the Western world such a city, an ark of 
safety for the oppressed of all lands, who had an energy - 
of soul suflScient to enable them to cut away the ties of 
habit, and nativity, and enter into its blessedness. 
Thus -he considered the sentiment of Americanism 
to be a sentiment of love and sympathy with all men 
— an universal philanthropy. To attack America or 
her institutions, was with him to threaten the new 
ark of the covenant of libert3^ The hostile attitude of 
Great Britain, therefore, in 1812, aroused whatever was 
then bitter or vengeful in his nature. The last asylum 
of free thought, of the expansive energies of humanity, 
was menaced by a power which had everywhere allied 
itself with despotism, everywhere formed coalitions, and 
subsidized venal courts, against the democratic idea as 
developed in republican France. A sacrilegious blow 
was to be aimed at the struggling youth of Freedom in 
the Western world. He could not endure that others 
should offer their breasts as a shield for his country, 
thus menaced, and he not share the danger. He must 
be a soldier. In such a cause it seemed base flattery, 
to call the man who hesitated a coward. He studied 
military science, with that power of concentration of 
thought of which he was always master, and made him- 
self proficient as an artillery oflicer — waiting impatiently 
the summons to the field. 

Baltimore has always been a city of strong patriotic 
impulses. Her citizens are generally men of warm and 
earnest feelings, and the war sentiment pervaded her 
whole population. 

During the summer of 1812, several popular outbreaks 
threatened to take place against individuals, obnoxious 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 77 

on account of their imputed sympathy, or correspon- 
dence with the English. One riot did actually occur, of 
an alarming and sanguinary character. Under date of 
August 4th he describes it. 

*' The narrow limits of an epistle preclude the possi- 
bility of narrating the bloody and horrible circumstan- 
ces that occurred in Baltimore last week. They beggar 
all description. The town was in alarm and confusion 
for two nights, and all occasioned by twenty or thirty 
desperadoes, who had before braved the citizens, and 
publicly declared they would oppose the present admin- 
istration (Madison's) at all hazards. Then, to complete 
their folly, they fortify a bouse here, from which their 
treasonous libels were to be forced upon the public, 
although they had had one office demolished not a month 
before. The populace hearing there were a great num- 
ber of men, who, after uttering bloody threats, had 
armed for defence, immediately after dark gathered 
about the house. From irritating threats, on each 
side, they proceeded to breaking windows. The 
mob were then fired on by those garrisoned in the 
house. One man was killed dead upon the spot, 
Dr. Gale, who has left a wife and six children. Mr. 
Williams a grocer, one of our subscribers, and a 
worthy man, died yesterday, and left a wife on the point 
of confinement, and two little helpless children. He lived 
but half a square from the 'Tory Block-House,' as it is 
called, and hearing a noise, went to see, from the opposite 
side of the street, what occasioned it. There w^ere about 
thirty others wounded, some dangerously. The reports 
of the friends and acquaintances of those who were killed 
and wounded, together with the constant discharge of 
musketry, before morning, as you may suppose, had 
called together an immense crowd. Vengeance was in 
the mouth of every one. The mayor and some others 



78 LITE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

prevented tlie liouse from being pulled down that 
moment, and all within murdered. (Mr. Cone was, w^e 
are informed, with the mayor.) About thirty rushed out 
at the back gate and escaped before daylight. Seven- 
teen had the temerity to remain till morning, when they 
were conducted to jail. About 9 o'clock p. m. the next 
day the jail was surrounded ; the doors, and, indeed, a 
wall of two feet thickness, were broken down ; the 
causers of the riot w^ere dragged from their dungeon — 
one of them killed — eight dreadfully beaten, and eight 
escaped. The moment the last door w^as battered down, 
the prisoners extinguished the candles, mixed with the 
crowd, and cried out w^ith them, ' Kill the damned 
Tories !' which alone saved them." 

Baltimore and the Baltimoreans were always dear to 
him, and when, in reference to this very occasion, a 
friend wrote to him censuring them severely, and ani- 
madverting sharply upon their character, he replied 
promptly : — 

" As I am now a citizen of Baltimore, I cannot but 
feel chagrined and mortified that its inhabitants should 
be so basely slandered ; and that every ridiculous story 
which Federal love for England delights to propagate, 
should no sooner reach your ears than it gains entire 
credence. My present occupation has made me ac- 
quainted with a very large portion of the people of this 
town, and as I cannot think myself entitled to the name 
either of knave or fool, my opinions, I presume, are not 
entirely erroneous. 

"Baltimore has grown with almost unprecedented 
rapidity. Its mechanics are characterized by industry, 
and its merchants by enterprise. No city on the con- 
tinent contains proportionably a greater number of pub- 
lic institutions: of banks, seminaries, and churches. 
At least three-fourths of us are devoted to our beloved 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOrGHTON CONE. 79 

countr J, its happy Constitution and laws ; are ready to 
risk our lives and all we hold dear on earth in defence 
of those boasted institutions of liberty and equal 
rights, for the establishment of which our fathers toiled 
and bled through a seven years' war. Is it for such 
feelings, and such principles as these you ' despise the 
Baltimoreans V or, have you suffered yourself, in con- 
junction w^ith many others, to be so unjust and so 
ungenerous as to condemn to lasting infamy a whole 
community, merely because a hundred lawless wretches 
have committed a most horrid outrage upon social 
order? Believe me, the great majority here are as sin- 
cere lovers of order, and do as solemnly deprecate mobs 
as any other people in the world. They suppressed 
them immediately. The ringleaders were arrested, and 
the grand jury have found them guilty of murder. 
What more could have been done ? But enough of this 
subject. 'Tis probable that we shall never think alike 
upon it. From my soul I believe Alexander Hanson 
and his associates enemies and traitors to their country ; 
that they are joined with the Essex Junta, and are 
devising means to bring about a separation of the Union. 
Then farewell to American happiness and prosperity ! 
We shall soon destroy each other by dissensions and 
civil wars ; or fall an easy prey to that humane and 
Christian nation^ who, by falsehood and bribery, have, 
at length, succeeded in raising the scalping-knife of the 
savage against the helpless families that are thinly 
scattered over our extensive frontiers. Neither age nor 
sex are spared ! Nay, at this very moment, w^hen per- 
haps some frantic mother is shrieking over her butchered 
babe, Hanson and his crew, who have the audacity to 
call themselves Americans, are boldly and publicly 
iadvocating the cause of the cruel government with 
which we are actually at war. Is this patriotic ? They 



80 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTOIS" CONE. 

have repeatedly declared that 'Madison was dh'ected 
by Napoleon' — that the majority in Congress were sold 
and nnder French influence — that they would oppose 
the war and the Administration by every means in their 
power, &C.5 &c. Is it to be wondered that the people 
should be enraged at such paragraphs as these ? I think 
not." 

In the latter part of 1812, he finally retired from the 
stage, and devoted himself to the support of Mr. Madi- 
son's administration, and the. advocacy of the war 
against Great Britain, to the well-remembered battle- 
cry of, " Free Trade and Sailors' Rights." The injustice 
of the course pursued by the English government, in 
impressing our seamen, and violating the neutrality of 
our flag, excited him to a passionate opposition. These 
events are become historical, and but little interest can 
attach to the personal expressions of any individual. 
It is not, however, ungrateful to remember, that his pen 
exercised a large influence in rallying the democracy 
of the country to a heartier support of the administra- 
tion against foes, both foreign and domestic ; and cheered 
the patriot in defending the cause of his country against 
an invader, whose entire course, particularly in the 
neighborhoods of Baltimore and Washington, was 
marked rather by the rapacious cruelty of the barba- 
rian, than the boasted chivalry of the English soldier. 
It is rather an unfortunate circumstance that Americans 
should always have been so unlucky as to find John 
Bull, in time of war, in one of his least Christian 
humors, and be compelled to recollect him as identified 
with a provost Marshal Cunningham, or an Admiral 
Cockburn. 

During the summer of 1812, Miss Morrell's uncle. 
Chandler Price, who had been the most violent oppo- 
nent of her intimacy with Mr. Cone, died. The opposi- 



LIFE OF SPENCEJR HOUGHTON CONE. 81 

tion of her relatives, Iiowe^^er, did not cease. They had 
set their heart upon a wealthy and fashionable match 
for her, in her own set ; and the idea of her attachment 
to a man of no position in what they then, and many 
still, are pleased to call " good society," and one withal 
dependent upon his daily exertions for his daily bread, 
was insupportable to them. She had seen into his mind, 
however, with the inspiration of affection, and all 
attempts to injure or degrade him in her estimation, 
tended only to give her a more entire confidence in his 
goodness. 

To please his betrothed, he yielded his desire to join 
the Canadian expedition then talked of: — 

" You have made me effeminate," he says, " and in my 
temper softened valor's steel. Farewell, then, to the 
subject of Canada. When I urged the impossibility of 
your condemning in me what you admired in others, I 
did not refer immediately to a soldier's cap, but to those 
principles of patriotism which ever animate freemen, 
and which I deem. the proudest boast of brave and true 
Americans. I have ever believed it just and commend- 
able to love one's country, and when I read how our 
forefathers pledged ^ their lives, their fortunes, and 
their sacred honor ' for its defence, I cannot help ask- 
ing myself how I can be exempt from toil and sacri- 
fices ? Why should not I, too, march to the tented field ? 
I have been listening to-day, too, to an address deli- 
vered by the Eev. John Hargrove to the Baltimore 
Volunteers, who have received orders, to march to- 
morrow morning. The address was a very animated 
one, and produced many a burst of indignation, coming 
from the lips of an old Revolutionary character, whose 
only son was pressed on board Jtn English frigate, and in 
attempting to escape, found refuge only in a watery 
grave. When I beheld the tears of bitter anguish 

4"^ 



82 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

rolling down the venerable cheeks of a disconsolate, 
grey-headed old man, who had lost the prop of his 
declining years, I must confess my feelings were such 
as words cannot describe." ^ ^ ^ 

^'Your noble qualities, the genuine offspring of a 
government, whose vital principles are equal liberty 
and equal rights, have endeared you to me," he says to 
a friend ; ''I shall for ever abhor the idea of your chang- 
ing an opinion, merely because it does not happen to 
coincide with mine. Without boasting, I hope I am 
honest and just. I think my political tenets are not 
enshrined in prejudice, and I am quite certain they 
were not consecrated upon the altar of interest. I know 
that I love in an especial manner my country, my 
family, and my friends. My belief in the expediency, 
propriety, and absolute necessity of the present war 
with Great Britain, is hearted. Merciful heaven ! are 
there human beings, or, what is worse, much worse, 
Americans, who not only defend, but approve the cause 
and conduct of England ? Oh ! my blood curdles in my 
veins, when I hear reasonable creatures applauding that 
corrupt and nefarious government; applauding a power 
which has deprived two-thirds of the inhabitants of Ire- 
land of their birthright; that, under the semblance of law, 
murdered the innocent William Orr, the eloquent Em- 
met the patriotic and immortal Tone ! — that government, 
whose fiend-like agents drove many of the miserable 
citizens of Waterford from their homes, and when the 
remaining women and children took shelter in a holy 
temple of the Most High, instantly set it on fire !— that 
government, which has entombed eleven thousand Ame- 
rican seamen on board their fioating dungeons, where 
they have heen flogged hj English hands ^ and compelled 
to fight even against their brethren ; and, to sum all 
up, that corrupt and inhuman government^ which has 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 83 

sent the savage upon our defenceless borders, to stalk in 
indiscriminate butchery, and do deeds from which 
humanity shrinks with detestation and horror ! And 
yet, under all these circumstances, you listen patiently, 
perhaps believingly, to those who denounce democrats, 
and a democratic administration, and side with those 
who say everything in favor of England, and against 
their own country. Can it be so? I do not express 
I myself thus strongly without careful reflection. These 
are no times to trifle. Our prosperity is threatened by 
I too many implacable foes from both within and with- 
j out. My beloved country needs all her friends. For 
: this reason, I have cheerfully assumed a soldier's cap. 
i If I be wrong in this, I must be wrong in everything. 
If my love of country be not of the right kind, then am 
I willing to yield up all pretensions to correctness upon 
j any subject ; then am I willing to confess that the best 
passions and affections of my soul, are base and insig- 
nificant. But you, an American, cannot doubt the 
righteousness of our cause. Farewell, and, oh remem- 
ber ! — it is sweet to die for our country." 



84 LIFE OF SPENCER HOrGHTON CONE. 



CHAPTER VL 
1813-14-15-16. 

It was in the midst of the war, and whilst most 
ardently employed in the defence of the Administration, 
that two events took place, by which all his after life 
was colored — his happy marriage and his happier con- 
version. 

His account of how he was brought from darkness 
into God's marvellous light, so plain, so eloquent, needs 
no addition from us. 

" Having served the proprietors of the ' American ' 
more than a year, John Norvell, Esq., of Kentucky, who 
married my youngest sister (long since dead), and who 
has since been Senator of the United States from Michigan, 
induced me to unite with him and purchase and conduct 
the ' Baltimore Whig.' During the last war we sustained 
the Madison Administration with all our powers ; at the 
same time I commanded the Baltimore Union Artillery 
Company, and was carried away with •military ardor. 
For two years I do not recollect attending public wor- 
ship more than twice. Politics and war completely 
engrossed my mind. 

" In the month of November, 1813, after breakfast, I 
took up a newspaper, and saw, among other things, a 
large sale of books advertised at Wood's auction rooms, 
and said to myself I will look in as I go to the office, 
and see what they are. I did so, and the first book I 
took up was a volume of the Works of John Newton. 
In an instant my whole life passed in review before me. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 85 

I remembered taking that book out of the college 
library, while at Princeton, and reading Newton's Life 
to my mother. His dream of the lost ring reminded me 
forcibly of my dream of the well, and I felt an ardent 
desire to own the book and read the dream again. I 
left the rooms, having first requested Mr. Wood, who 
was a particular friend, to put it up for sale as soon as 
he saw me in the evening, as it was the only work I 
wanted. He promised to do so, and I immediately went 
out towards our office, which was nearly opposite ; but 
I had scarcely reached the middle of the street, when a 
voice 'like the sound of many waters,' said to me — this 
is your last warning ! I trembled like an aspen leaf — I 
felt myself to be in the grasp of the Almighty, and an 
earthquake could not have increased my dismay. Ser- 
mons heard when only eight years old, on the Balm of 
Gilead, and on the Lamb of God — the dream — all were 
painfully present, and I thought my hour of doom had 
come. I went to the office, took down the day-book to 
charge the new advertisements, but my hand trembled 
so that I could not write, and I put the book back in its 
place. I went out into South street — then walked up 
and down Market street in the crowd till dinner-time, to 
drown, if it were possible, my thoughts and feelings. 
But all in vain. The sound still rung, not only in my 
ears, but through my heart, like the sound of a trumpet 
— this is your last warning ! I went home to dinner, 
endeavoring to conceal my feelings as much as possible 
from my wife. The day wore heavily away ; I was at 
the auction room at the hour; purchased the book 
that seemed so strangely connected with my weal or 
woe ; returned to my house immediately and read New- 
ton's eventful life entirely through before retiring to 
rest. There seemed to be some strong points of resem- 
blance between us ; he had been rescued from the wrath 



86 LIFE OF SPENCES HOUGHTON CONE. 

to come ! What would become of me ? I found that 
he read the Bible and obtained light. I went to bed 
with the determination of rising early to imitate his 
example, and search the Scriptures. My dear young 
wife thought I was going mad. Oh no ! no ! I was not 
mad ! He who had compassion on the poor Gadarene, 
was now bringing me to my right mind in a way that 
I knew not. 

" I commenced reading the Scriptures with deep 
interest, to find out how a sinner could be saved ; and 
in two months, read the Psalms and difi^erent portions of 
the Old Testament, and the New Testament I think more 
than twenty times through. The Psalms, John's Gospel, 
and the Epistle to the Romans, were particularly pre- 
cious. It required great effort to attend to domestic 
duties, and my business in the office ; for I felt continu- 
ally that it would profit me nothing ' to gain the whole 
world, and at last lose my own soul.' I sought out 
preachers, and heard Mr, Duncan frequently; but I 
could not learn from any of them the way of salvation. 
One evening, after the family had all retired, I went up 
into a vacant garret, and walked backwards and for- 
wards in great agony of mind ; I kneeled down ; the 
instance of Hezekiah occurred to me ; like him I turned 
my face to the wall and cried for mercy. An answer 
seemed to be vouchsafed in an impression, that just as 
many years as I had passed in rebellion against God, so 
many years I must now endure, before deliverance could 
be granted. I clasped my hands and cried out, ' Yes, 
dear Lord, a thousand years of such anguish as I now 
feel, if I may only be saved at last.' I continued to 
read, and whenever I could steal away unobserved into 
the garret, there I walked the fioor, when all around 
was hushed in sleep ; there I prayed and poured out 
tears of bitter sorrow. While thus engaged one night, 



LIFE OF SPEiq"CER HOUGHTON CONE. 87 

the plan of salvation was revealed to me in tlic figure 
of ISToah's Ark. I saw an ungodly race swept away 
with the flood, but Noah and his family were saved, for 
God shut them in the Ark. I felt that as a sinner I was 
condemned and justly exposed to immediate and everlast- 
ing destruction. I saw distinctly that in Christ alone I 
must be saved, if saved at all ; and the view I at that mo- 
ment had of God's method of saving sinners, I do still most 
heartily entertain^ after thirty years' experience of his 
love. This was Saturday night, and that night I slept 
more sweetly than I had done for many weeks. Before 
daylight on Lord's day rooming I awoke, and went 
down stairs quietly, made a fire in the front parlor, and 
threw open the window-shutters, and as soon as I could 
see, commenced reading the New Testament. I opened 
to the 13th chapter of John, and came to where Peter 
said, ' thou shall never wash my feet ;' Jesus answered 
him, ' If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.' 
Simon Peter saith to him, ' Lord, not my feet only, but 
also my hands and my head.' At that moment my 
heart seemed to melt. I felt as if plunged into a bath 
of blood divine — I was cleansed from head to foot — 
guilt and the apprehension of punishment were both 
put away ; tears of gratitude gushed from my eyes in 
copious streams ; the fire in the grate shone on the paper 
upon the wall, and the room was full of light ; I fell 
upon the hearth-rug, on my face, at the feet of Jesus, 
and wept and gave thanks ; my sins, which were many, 
w^ere all forgiven, and a peace of mind succeeded which 
passeth understanding. Bless the Lord, O my soul! 
from that hour to the present, a doubt of my calling 
and election of God has never crossed my mind. With 
all my imperfections, shortcomings, and backsliding of 
heart, I have from that hour steadfastly believed that 
' neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, 



88 LIFE OF BPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor 
height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able 
to separate me from the love of God which is in Christ 
Jesus my Lord !' 

" I wished immediately to be baptized. There was 
no question as to the right way. I had read the New 
Testament so thoroughly that the doctrines of the Gospel 
were perfectly plain, though I had not conferred with 
flesh and blood, or asked any one what church I ought 
to join. 

" Next day I went to Brother Lewis Richards, pastor 
of the First Baptist Church,. Baltimore, to inquire when 
I could be baptized. 

" He said he would converse with me on Wednesday, 
being then engaged, and let me know. I called accord- 
ing to appointment, and he requested me to relate my 
Christian experience. I told him what God had done 
for my soul. He said if I would come to their clmrch 
meeting, next Friday afternoon, at three o'clock, he 
would be glad to hear me say the same thing again. 
Accordingly I went. Half a dozen brethren, and forty 
or fifty sisters were present. The old man called me to 
him, beside the Communion table, and asked me to tell 
those present what the Lord had done for me. As there 
was no other candidate, he wished me to be particular 
in my relation. I enjoyed great liberty of speech; my 
soul was lifted up as upon the wings of a dove, and I 
felt as if I should stay a very short time upon earth. 
With a melting heart I recounted all the way in which 
the Lord my God had brought me out of darkness into 
His marvellous light ; and the narrative was responded 
to by sobs and tears from many of those who were pre- 
sent. The pastor asked but one question — when I 
wished to be baptized ? I replied, to-morrow. He said 
it was too cold ; the ice was thick, and he was lame with 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 89 

rheumatism. Several members said — ' Oh ! try, Brother 
Richards ; we have not had one baptism for so many 
months past.' He consented. Many came and took me 
by the hand, and bid me God-speed. Some said, ' We 
have not heard such a sermon as your experience in 
many a year ; the Lord will make a preacher of you.' 
On Saturday morning, February 4th, 1814, I was bap- 
tized in the Patapsco, by Elder Lewis Eichards, the ice 
having been cut for the purpose. It was more than a 
foot thick, and the spectators, with many of my old 
companions among them, stood on the ice within a few 
yards of where I was buried, and went away saying, 
' He is mad ; he'll not stick to that long.' 

" In coming out of the water, I felt a strong desire to 

tell to all around, what a dear Saviour I had found, but 

I my sense of propriety prevented me from speaking." — 

^Phonographic Re-port of Sermon to the Young ^ Jan,^ 

1 1844. 

S Upon the 8th of the same month, he wrote to his 

^sister Amelia : — • 

"I gave m my experience to the members of the 
first Baptist Church on Friday afternoon last. A 
number of women were present, and my recital, which 
so clearly demonstrated that salvation is all of grace, 

' and not of w^orks least we should boast, affected 
them so much that I could see scarcely a dry eye around 
.me. 

" Gratitude and thankfulness to God for what he had 
done for my soul; for that blood-bought, free reward, 
that golden harp, strung and tuned for endless years, to 
sound in the Father's ears the name of the Lamb that 
was slain, which he had given to unworthy me, so 
wrought upon my feelings and overcame my heart, that 
tears of joy and love continually interrupted my utter- 
ance. All present were so fully satisfied that the Lord 



90 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

had commenced the good work, and that, therefore, 
accordmg to his gracious promise, he would complete it 
till the great day, and seal my soul with the atoning 
blood of the everlasting covenant, that not a question 
was proposed by a single member, but all received me 
gladly. On Saturday, between twelve and one o'clock, 
1 was baptized. The ice was so thick that a number of 
spectators stood upon it, round about the grave in 
which, I trust, the ' old man' was buried. The day 
was cold but clear, and although the water froze upon 
the clothes of those who cut away the ice, yet I felt a 
glow of warmth and animation, unwonted and unknown 
before, even while buried beneath the wave. Oh, 'twas 
a happy, happy sensation ! — Next in order to that beati- 
fic moment when I heard my Jesus say — ' Go in 
peace ! Thy sins which are many, be all forgiven thee !' 
On Sunday I was received into the church by the 
imposition of hands, and admitted to commune with 
saints." 

On the 10th of the previous May he had been married, 
by the Rev. Mr. Kemper of Philadelphia, to Miss Sally 
Wallace Morrell, the daughter of Robert Morrell and 
Mary Price. At the time of their marriage — Miss 
Morrell was a strict Episcopalian — as far as form went — 
and like all decided formalists, very intolerant of every 
other form ; considering dissenters from " High Church," 
indeed, as little better than dangerous and desperate 
rebels against all truth and goodness. This explains the 
expression which he uses — "My dear young wife 
thought I was going mad." It appeared to her, if not 
absolute insanity, the very height of unreasonableness 
and delusion. She could not understand how a man of 
excessive animal spirits ; the liveliest of companions, full 
of anecdote, quip, and crank; the soul of every gay 
society, should adopt a faith, and ally himself to profes- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 91 

sors of a form of religions belief considered by the world 
puritanical and straight-laced, refusing to mix in public 
amusements, forbidding the theatre, the ball-room, or 
3'ace course — forbidding everything, in fact, which the 
high church Episcopalians considered innocent recrea- 
tion. The idea even that he was in earnest forced itself 
very slowly into her mind. 

How often has she told over, with a quiet humor 
which was natural to her, the secret rage and astonish- 
ment of her heart. She loved him too well to exhibit 
anything but the latter, whilst the former was absolutely 
stifling her. He would go to the place now so dear 
to him, the place where a little band of despised people 
called Baptists, assembled themselves together for 
prayer meeting twice a week. She could not bear to be 
away from him. She must be where she could see him. 
So she would follow him, and take her seat awav back 
in some dark corner, and watch and listen, to try and 
find out what could be the attractioH to such a dull and 
gloomy place. The plain Baptist folk, for the church was 
very feeble then in Baltimore, and few wealthy people 
belonged to it, saw with no small wonder a woman gaily 
dressed, glide in, and hide herself away in the remotest 
corner of the room. But she took no heed of them. She 
had eyes only for the one amongst them, whose conduct 
seemed so wild to her. It was a hard trial. It seemed 
as if a wall was being built up between them. "Why 
should he love anything but her ? she loved him wholly. 
What magic was there in religion that it should win 
away from her even a part of his attention ? What was 
there in the Bible that he should pore over it all the 
while at home, and never talk as he used to do. He 
was kind, kinder, and tenderer, if possible, than ever — 
but so absorbed, so wrapped up in this new-found faith, 
that he did not seem to belong any more to her or to the 



92 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

world. And so by stealth, for her pride forbade to do it 
openly, she took the Bible and. pored over it to see if 
she could find out the strange secret of its fascination. 

Thus the beautiful mystery of woman's love led 
upwards to the divine mystery of a Saviour. Is He not 
wonderful in working, and His ^^ays past finding out ? 

But it was the mother who, beside her baby's cradle, 
had laid hold upon the future with such a lofty and 
serene faith, as rose almost into the dignity of prophecy ; 
who had never doubted, and therefore never felt any 
sacrifice hard, which could fit him for her Master's work, 
to whom that Master, in the tenderest of His mercies, 
again committed her darling, new born out of the world, 
her child and God's. Oh happy child ! from the same 
lips which taught him honor first, and how to live for 
man, to learn the holier lesson of a Christian's life, and 
how to live for God : to clasp her hand in his, and lay 
his head upon his Saviour's breast — her brother and her 
son! 

The news of his struggles, his doubts, his fears, 
brought her to him on wings of anxious love, and how 
she sped, being there, his words discover : 

" Mother's company and conversation were always 
very higlily prized, but for some weeks they have indeed 
been of inestimable value to me ! When grief and 
despair have almost overwhelmed my sin-sick soul, she, 
like my guardian angel, has encouraged me to press 
forward with increased ardor, and make my calling and 
election sure. She has often wept over her poor boy, 
but with God's blessing, purchased by the dear Redeem- 
er's blood, her tears for me shall not henceforth be tears 
of bitterness and anguish, but of holy joy. I have been 
enabled to look back upon my past life, and I trust with 
seeing eyes and an understanding heart ; But oh I what 
a gloomy retrospect ! not one single hour well spent ; no, 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 93 

not one solitary moment dedicated to the honor and 
glory of Him who came into the world and died to save 
sinners. But did He die to save a wretch like me ? Oh, 
that dreadful negative which my fears and crimes so 
irresistibly suggest. Like an unstable traveller, tumb- 
ling from some icy precipice's awful peak, so have I, for 
many long years, been falling into the bottomless pit. 
A Saviour's arm alone can redeem me from destruction 
In the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity I can only 
cry aloud for mercy and pardon. Is there no balm in 
Gilead, is there no physician there ? Are not you one 
of the Good Shepherd's flock, and will not your prayers be 
heard ? Join with me then, thou whom consanguinity has 
named my brother, and let us pray earnestly and without 
ceasing, that I be not a cast- away. Fare thee v^ ell! I 
am ill at ease, and cannot give you even a faint idea of 
what is passing within me. A greater than Gabriel 
must protect me or I perish." 

Thus he pours out the anguish of his soul, when fir^t 
awakened, to his only brother Joseph, who not long 
before had experienced a change of heart, and united 
with the church in Philadelphia. In disposition the bro- 
\ thers were very dissimilar. Spencer was eager and rest- 
lessly active ; neither mind nor body ever seemed at rest. 
He rarely sat down, even in the house. When studying, 
his books would be laid open upon his table, and after 
bending down and reading with the greatest rapidity, 
he would pace the room backwards and forwards, from 
side to side, for hours. He hardly ever made a head or 
memorandum of any sort for speech, lecture, or sermon,- 
but arranged it all mentally. This habit created a 
second habit of talking aloud to himself when alone, 
and in his talk, every thought, no matter how opposite 
from the main subject of his consideration, shaped itself 
instantly into words. Thus as he walked rapidly up and 



94 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

down could be heard texts of Scripture; a line of a 
hymn ; an opinion of some man's character ; a word of 
advice to another; a sentence of a criticism on the 
character of a new book ; a snatch of some old-timed 
song ; a queer anecdote ; a burst of eloquent declama- 
tion, or passionate appeal — all heterogeneously mingled, 
and rolling over each other like the waves of a single 
stream, which carries down with it in its course what- 
ever, whether precious or worthless, is loosened from 
the banks and swept onwards by its hurrying waters. 
He has been heard thus to deliver whole passages, 
which he has re-delivered in public weeks afterwards 
verbatim^ although meanwhile he may have preached or 
spoken on twenty different occasions. His memory 
was in fact marvellous, and cultivated and trained so 
perfectly that it had the accuracy of some fine machine, 
always obeying implicitly the direction given it, and 
acting according to the degree of power applied. Thus 
although he commonly read standing, and seemed to do 
little more than run his eye over the page, like one in 
search of a particular passage, he would throw by a 
book on subjects with which he was conversant, and if 
questioned about it, compress its whole argument into a 
dozen pithy sentences. Read it yourself, and it seemed 
an enigma, not only how he had got at all that was in it 
in such a space, but often why any one sliould have used 
80 many words to say what could be put in so few. 

Joseph, his younger brother, was on the contrary a 
mild and reth-ing man, of elegant reading rather than 
profound knowledge — an artist by nature and choice. 
He evinced an extremely early tendency to painting, 
and would steal away and shut himself up anywhere 
alone with his little box of water colors and liis brush — 
forgetful of everything else. Spencer was obliged daily 
to take them away from him in order to make him 



LIFE OF SPEKCER HOUGHTOIT COIS^E. 95 

attend to his ordinary lessons. But nature had given 
I him his bent ; education could not warp it, and he 
became a painter and engrayer. As the latter he 
j ranked amongst the best in the United States twenty- 
I five years ago. He was mild and retiring, as we have 
said, in manner. It was a moral quietness however, and 
extended no further than a distrust of his own capacity 
for public life. He had, what is very common in unas- 
! suming men, an indomitable courage, and a hatred of 
every kind of oppression, which the least circumstance 
i would arouse into fiery energy. His brother used to 
say that until he was over twenty-one he never expected 
to find him alive at the day's close ; since, if walking 
j through the streets, he happened to see any one in trou- 
ble, he was morally certain to jump into the middle of 
the fight, without stopping to ask a question, and either 
hazard a night in the lock-up, by fiogging tliQ aggressor, 
or be brought home himself thoroughly well bruised 
! and disfigured. On several occasions his brother 
j Joseph's absence from home became alarming ; often 
anxious search found him lying by the wall of the State 
House yard, or elsewhere, beaten into insensibility. 
They both, in fact, inherited what we may call the 
instinct of fight, and Spencer could never hear a tale of 
battle or of heroism without his eye dancing and his 
I nostril dilating with eager sympathy. All the mastery 
of a powerful will, and the control of divine grace were 
j necessary to curb the natural fire and impetuous bra- 
very of his character. He was naturally fitted for a 
soldier, equally cool and reckless, for the sentiment 
I of physical fear was unknown to him ; it was not in 
j his nature, and he had in reality no sympathy for 
, man or woman who felt it. With that divine controller 
of his thoughts and actions, the love of Christ constrain- 
ing him, he became the patient, quietly determined, but 



96 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

daring defender of the truth, to whom " neither heights 
nor depths, nor principalities, nor powers," were obsta- 
cles — if he believed he heard the Captain of his salva- 
tion say, "forward !" 

We present this feature of his character strongly, 
because it was truly his great characteristic as a man ; 
and without keeping it in view, it would be impossible 
rightly to understand his conduct, either as a man or a 
Christian. It resulted naturally from this quality of 
mind, that, having thought and reasoned out a principle, 
he squared his life and actions by it, and never compro- 
mised it for the sake of expediency either for friend or foe. 
He said, therefore, constantly — " such an one would have 
me do this, and such another that, because it is expedient. 
But is it true ? Our God is truth ! Can we serve an 
expedient, when he shows us a truth ? I do not know 
what other, men dare do ; but I dare not do it. I dare 
not disobey a " thus saith the Lord." If I am unfaithful 
in a little thing, what right have I to expect that his 
grace will keep me faithful in the weightier matters of 
the law ? Is baptism immersion ? Then I must preach 
it, for woe is me if I preach not the Gospel. And if it 
is right to preach it, is it not right to print it? Let God 
be true but every man a liar." 

Of his brother Joseph, from whom our subject has 
necessarily diverted us, we shall speak more largely at 
a future period. 

Peace and hope no sooner enter and take possession 
of Spencer's soul, than it is filled with anxiety for his 
brethren and sisters after the flesh, who are yet out of the 
ark of safety : 

" Oh !" he exclaims, " how my poor heart bleeds for 
my sisters. May they be enabled to flee from the wrath 
to come. May the Lamb of God, who taketh away the 
sins of the world, melt our obdurate souls, and inspire 



LITE 01^ SPENCER HOUGHTOiq' CONE. 97 

them with an insatiable thirst for that glory which passetli 
all understanding, and which fadeth not away. Eliza, 
Amelia. Martha, my sisters, oh ! my sisters !• can you 
contemplate the torments of the damned which are ever- 
lasting — the felicity of true believers w^hich is eternal — 
and yet calmly sit down, without an endeavor to avoid the 
fate of the one, or secure the lot of the other? Are 
your obdurate hearts insensible to fear ? Be it so. Say 
'tis a base, unmanly emotion, beneath the august dignity 
of our nature. I agree with you. Have you neither 
gratitude nor love ? You dare not say no, for they are 
the ennobling features of the human mind. Let me 
then point out an object worthy their entire, their undi- 
vided exercise. Emmanuel bleeding upon the cross, and 
expiring in agonies for lost sinners ; that all who look 
on him with eyes of faith might be saved from the 
unutterable woe their crimes deserve. Can you turn 
away your eyes from this soul-redeeming Saviour, who 
died that you might live ; this great Captain of our. 
Salvation, who w^as made perfect through suftering; 
who was scourged, and scoffed, and spit upon, for you 
— even for you — that the stern justice of the immutable 
God might be satisfied ; that the utmost rigor of the 
law might be complied with, and a way thereby devised 
to bring many sons to glory ? Why need I add more ? 
You will not close your ejes till the tears of penitence 
stream down your cheeks, and your cry shall be — 'Lord, 
what aliall we do to be saved V " 

Nor was it strange he should be so anxious for them. 
He was so happy himself, and , as he had shared all 
other happiness wdth them, it was terrible to feel they 
could not partake with him in the greatest of all. " I 
am so happy," he exclaims, "I can scarcely refrain 
from prostrating myself upon my face, and crying — ^ Oh ! 
the wonderful grace of God — oh! the matchless love 

6 



98 THE LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

of Jehovali Jesus !' To me it has indeed been matcli- 
less. He lias built me up in the faith. My hope is sure 
and steadfast. My soul feels as it were indeed sealed 
with the Holy Spirit unto the day of the Lord. No 
clouds or doubts have interfered to overshadow its anti- 
cipated felicity, or eclipse that beam of heavenly light 
with which the great Captain of our Salvation has 
deigned to illume my once benighted mind. Oh! 
Lamb of God ! My Friend, my Guardian, my Guide, 
my Saviour, my All-in- All — ^from beginning to end — 
grant me grace to love and adore Thee as I ought. And 
yet the world pretends to ridicule sensations so delight- 
ful, so heavenly, and pity our fancied delusions. Poor 
wretches, we need not their pity. We have an interest 
in One who is preparing for us mansions of eternal bliss, 
and crowns of never-fading glory !" 

And therefore he will not let them be. He must be 
instant in season and out of season with them. He 
keeps the one thing needful ever before their eyes ; meets 
all their objections, urges every motive, combats every 
doubt. 

'' My dear sister " — ^to one of them — " I know you 
cannot force an entrance into the sheepfold of Christ, 
and should you climb over the sides, or enter in any 
other way than by the door, the Word of God declares 
you to be a thief and a robber. All who enter the hea- 
venly Canaan must come in through Christ Jesus, who 
is the way, the truth, and the life. But remember, God 
is just and merciful, and has proved it even to you. 
You have a desire, you say, an ardent desire, to love 
and fear him. Was it not his mercy that implanted 
that desire in your heart, for I doubt not you can 
remember a time when you liad not even a wish to 
be made acquainted with spiritual things? 'Tis not in 
your own nature, therefore, but entirely of grace, that 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 99 

yon have ever been led tb reflect npon the inexpressi- 
ble valne of yonr immortal sonl. God's justice is 
apparent in this — yon cannot be pardoned bnt by the 
washing of the blood of the Lamb ; your sins must be 
atoned for, and righteousness must be imputed to you, 
ere God can be just in the justification of a sinner. I 
believe you feel your imperfect nature, and your 
soul's alienation from its Maker, and desire to be 
reconciled to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 
The bare desire is something good for which your praise 
is due, nor do I think that ever the earnest and sincere 
wish of becoming a follower of the Saviour was given 
to a single human being, without its being blessed, 
sooner or later, to their efiectnal calling and conversion. 
Beware of acting a disingenuous part, thereby only 
deceiving yourself; saying, 'I wish I were religious,' 
and yet proving by every action that you love the 
world and its vanities supremely. You can never find 
acceptance with God by saying 'Lord ! Lord !' Do deeds 
meet for repentance, praying continually for divine 
instruction and guidance ; for to expect to do cmything 
aright, without imploring God to work in yon, is, to my 
mind, the very acme of infatuated presumption. 

"Endeavor every evening to call to mind the actions 
of the day : place distinctly before your mind the errors 
yon have committed in thought, word, or deed, and 
pray for strength to avoid falling again into the same 
snares. By reading the Scriptures and meditation, 
deeply impress your soul with the awful truth, that your 
heart is enmity against God — that you are not subject to 
his laW' — that there is a fatal variance between you, which 
must result in your utter ruin, nnless you are reconciled 
to him through Christ Jesus. Though you cannot of 
yourself work out your own salvation, yet I would not 
have you content yourself with saying, ' When Christ 



100 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

bids me come, I shall come.' If you really tliink your 
eternal welfare of primary importance, you will be found 
reading and praying, and imploring God to grant you 
the influences of his Holy Spirit, to guide you in that 
path which shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 
But if you are lukewarm, and think you do everything 
in your power, by entertaining half-formed wishes of 
dying the death of the righteous, I can recollect no 
promise in God's blessed Bible adapted to your 
state." 

For their sake, indeed, he is willing to part from his 
mother, though he should see her no more on earth. 
" Buoyed up with the fond hope, that her bright exam- 
ple and godly conversation may be blessed to you, I 
shall part from her without a sigh. I know we shall 
meet in heaven, to part no more for ever. But when 
death shall have received his commission, what, I pray 
you, will be your sensations, when you reflect that you 
are, by a single stroke, made strangers to her for ever ? 
Where she has gone you can never come. Never 
again will you be permitted to look on those eyes 
w^hich have so oft beamed upon you with kindness-— 
never again entwine your arms about the body that 
bore you, nor hang upon that bosom which so long pal- 
pitated with aflfectionate tenderness towards you, nor 
ever ceased to rise and swell in fervent adorations, in 
anxious prayer to God — to spare, forgive, and save her 
darling children. Are you waiting to become holy 
before you come to the Saviour for help ? Ah ! my 
loves, ^ 

" ' If you tarry till you're better, 
You will never come at all.' 

Remember Jesus came to call sinners, not the righteous, 
to repentance. All you are to bring is a broken heart : — 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOlSr CONE. 101 

" ' All the fitness he requireth 
' Is to feel your need of him.' 

Do you not feel the need of a Saviour ? Do you think 
it strange I can part with mother without grief? Yet 
such is the fact ; and I think you will not be tempted to 
ascribe it to my want of affection for one of the best of 
women. Oh, no ! I have a nobler motive. A brother's 
prayers and tears — the Gospel's threatening denuncia- 
tions against sinners — the hope of everlasting bliss 
beyond the grave — are trij9.es light as air in your esti- 
mation. I am not only willing, but anxious, therefore, 
for mother to return. Perhaps you will hear her. 
Perad venture she is the destined instrument by which 
God means to work. Oh, listen to her accents of love ; 
be guided by her instructions in that path which leads 
to joys on high — pray for the influences of the Holy 
Spirit. For, rest assured that God is a holy God, and 
without holiness no man shall see the Lord. 

"But what can I say to profit you? If the bold and 
polished periods of Dr. Staughton, if the eloquent life 
of a beloved mother, can neither of them win your soul 
for Christ, there is not much to be expected from the 
hasty reflections and imperfect expressions of your 
poor brother. But the Lord worketh by whom he will 
work ; and when all these apparently great means have 
been found ineffectual, lesser ones may be made instru- 
mental in opening your eyes. 

'' Oh, let me then once more implore you to seek after 
Jesus as the hid treasure." 

And God indeed blessed the lesser means ; their 
minds were influenced graciously, and not many years 
passed before he experienced the unspeakable satisfac- 
tion, of seeing two of his sisters make a public profes- 
sion of their faith in the same Lord and Saviour to whose 
cause he was dedicated. 



102 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUaHTON CONE. 

One of them, Catharine, had long been a member of 
the church. A happy family. 

For some time during the year 1813, he realized his 
original scheme of teaching. He established an aca- 
demy which was well attended. It was, however, a 
caUing for which his quick imagination and craving 
after action very much unfitted him. The restraint and 
confinement were insupportable to him, and he gladly 
relinquished it for the more exciting and absorbing 
occupation of an editorial career. 

A single memorial of his school experiences in Balti- 
more is furnished by a letter from the Hon. David J. 
Disney of Ohio, written in 1843, and deserves to be 
recorded : 

" Accident," says Disney, " called my attention a few 
days since to an article in one of our city papers from 
their correspondent in your city, in which he describes 
you and your church. The simple notice recalled all 
the recollections of my childhood, and the obligations 
which I owed you. Again I sat on the little form in the 
school-room in Baltimore, and with my well-thumbed 
Caesar before me, glanced around at my school-fellows. 
Our boyish pranks rose fresh in my recollection, and, 
instead of the battered politician, I once more became 
the competitor for tops and marbles. Conjugations and 
declensions again perplexed my mind. The interesting 
story of Prince Le Boo, which I was artfully substitu- 
ting for the commentaries of the warlike Koman, again 
perished in the flames before my eyes*, by your hand. 

" The rigid severity with which, in the proper hours, 
you exacted of me a devotion to mental culture, again 
stood before me in all its original authority, and the 
years which have intervened vanished as with a fairy 
stroke. 

" Since we have parted, my boyhood has ripened into 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 103 

manhood, and I have played a part among the public 
men of our State — but the scenes of my infancy, and the 
recollections of my boyhood have always had a deep 
abiding place in the storehouse of my memory." 

It is hard to fancy him a teacher of perverse school- 
boys. The effort to tame down his spirit to the necessary 
patience and routine, must truly have been one of the 
most heroic in his life. Of all men in the world, he jvas 
the least calculated for it by nature. His mind was 
purely creative ; and his patience, only that with which 
a great mind waits for the development of great events, 
of which its power was in whole or part the agent. He 
never thought of or noticed the little things which were 
going on about him ; his powder of mental abstraction was 
complete. What a herculean eft'ort it must have been 
for him to abstract himself, however, from his own 
nature, and watch a troop of mischievous urchins — and 
try to teach them. And what a picture of conscientious 
sacrifice it brings before us ! 



104 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOJST CONE. 



CHAPTEE VII. 

1814. THE WAK. 

'I'o go back a little — early in the year 1813, tlie clouds 
of war began to thicken upon the horizon. British 
aggressions were multiplied : our ships searched, our flag 
insulted upon every sea, until the measure of American 
forbearance overflowed, and the spirit of the nation was 
aroused to that heroic contest with the " mistress of the 
seas," the result of which is so finely idealized in the strik- 
ing figure of Pinckney, where he represents America ris- 
ing from the struggle, her head " encircled and adorned 
by the laurels she had torn from the brow of the naval 
genius of England." 

Pinckney, to whom Benton, in his " Thirty Years' 
View," accords pre-eminence over all the orators he has 
known, was a citizen of Baltimore. As minister to 
Great Britain, he represented the United States at that 
Court with rare capacity and decision, and returned 
home on the rupture of amicable relationships between 
the two governments, to exchange the pen of the diplo- 
matist for the sword of the soldier. 

His relationship to the administration of Madison, as " 
editor of the government organ, in Baltimore, brought 
Mr. Cone into frequent contact with Pinckney, and a 
warm and durable friendship ensued. 

For more than a year Baltimore and its vicinity was 
in a state of constant appi^ehension, and a descent upon 
some point in its neighborhood, from the British fleet, 
was daily expected. Mr. Cone was, therefore, alter- 



LIFE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTON CONE. 105 

nately busy in defending the Administration with his 
pen from the attacks of the Hartford Conventionists 
and Federal anti-war party, and in drilling his company 
of artillery. 

With the natural devotion of woman, and her desire 
to share with the man she distinguished by her unself- 
ish love, all his trials. Miss Morrell consented that the 
day of their marriage should be fixed. 

Everything was prepared, and on the 13th of April, 
1813, he writes to her : — 

" I am endeavoring to procure a house in Pitt street, 
about two squares from the printing-ofl&ce, and hope to 
meet with success, for it is pleasantly situated, very neat 
and convenient, and as low as I expect to find one. It 
will be ready to occupy on the 1st of May. 

" I had intended to procure several articles in Phila- 
delphia, but the British squadron is now within forty 
miles of us, and i\iQ packets have ceased to run. 

" The storm of war will expose us to many incon- 
veniences, but whilst you smile upon me, I shall never 
comj)lain or repine. 

" If life be spared me, I shall have the delight of call- 
ing you mine on Thursday, the 29th instant. And on 
Saturday or Sunday following we must repair to Balti- 
more, unless I can persuade some good-natured friend 
to write a little for me in my absence." 

And upon the 20th of the same month : — 

" I should have written to John Morrell on Sunday 
last — a day I had in a measure set apart for the pur- 
pose — but the enemy's squadron appeared off the mouth 
of our harbor on Friday, and we have been under arms 
ever since. 

" I returned from the fort last evening, very much 
jaded with marching and loss of sleep, but I hope to be 
well again by to-morrow. 

5^ 



106 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

" We can raise more than 5,000 volunteers here in 
half an hour. So I fancy Jacky Bull will not think of 
setting his foot on shore. 

" I shall be with you at the time proposed." 

Man '' proposes," God disposes. 

On the 29th, the w^edding-party was all assembled, 
except the bridegroom. The feelings of the bride and 
anxious friends may be imagined. The ordinary chan- 
nel of communication was interrupted : the packets had 
ceased to ply between Philadelphia and Baltimore. No 
railroad annihilated space and time, and the inland 
route was tedious and uncertain. Nothing had been 
heard from him since the 20th. There was room and 
probability for the worst surmises. An attack by the 
English might have taken place, and Spencer be either 
killed, or worse, a prisoner, on his way to experience 
the tender mercies of English hospitality at " Dart- 
moor." Nothing was too dreadful to surmise. 

Nor was it until several days after the anticipated 
wedding-night that a letter was received from him, 
dated the 27th, and written from Fort McHenry, from 
which, whilst the gay company were waiting so 
anxiously for him in Philadelphia, he was as anxiously 
watching the movements of the English fleet, his heart 
torn with a thousand contending emotions, and his feel- 
ings towards the enemy of his country, as may be easily 
imagined, in no degree softened by their untimely inter- 
ference in his own private plans and hopes. " I know 
not how to write this letter," he exclaims. " I can but 
say our regiment is on duty here (at Fort McIIenry), 
and I cannot obtain permission to leave the garrison 
until we are relieved by the 6th Infantry — which will 
be in a few days — not more than a week. 

" We are under considerable alarm, but I do not think 
there is any immediate danger. Several ships of war 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 107 

play about in sight of us-^What their object is we can- 
not say. Guards are stationed around the camp, and 
no one can pass without a permit from the Commander. 
Keep up your spirits this weekP 

Their regiment was finally relieved by the 6th and he 
writes : 

" I have just returned from duty, very much fatigued ; 
nay, almost worn out. I am distressed to find that, in 
I consequence of the burning of Havre de Grace, the 
' Pilot ' stage will not reach Philadelphia on Friday 
evening. I have therefore secured a place in the mail, 
and will reach Philadelphia on Saturday morning about 
10 or 11 o'clock. I write from town, having a furlough 
from camp till six o'clock this evening, when I return. 
A few more days, I trust, and all will be well. Banish 
doubt and despondency. What though difficulties should 
oppress, and dangers threaten, yet — 

" ' The simmer is coming, cauld winter's awa' 
And I'll come and see you, in spite of them a' ' 

I live but in the hope. 

I shoulder my rifle, or gird on my sword, but to 
drive off the base marauders, who have had possession 
of the shores of the Chesapeake too long. I love my 
country sincerely and ardently. I am, from conscience, 
an advocate of the Administration and the present war, 
and in it I must embark my life and honor, which con- 
stitute my all — ^Then war or no war — bread or no bread, 
we must set sail — 



" ' On the ocean of wedlock, 
Our fortunes to try,' 



and heaven I trust will bless us !" 
After their marriage, the young couple returned to 



108 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Baltimore. From their marriage day to the hour of 
their earthly separation, they lived for each other, and 
their daily life, from year to year, only served to develop 
a beautiful and increasing tenderness and devotion. 
Their thoughts, their interests, their hopes, their pleas- 
ures, were one ; and it is yet fresh in the minds of all 
who knew them, how holy an example of fidelity to 
" the vows they breathed in marriage " was presented 
for forty years, and how happy an influence was exerted 
by it upon the social relationships of the church, and 
the feelings and principles of the young. Dignifying 
their union by unvarying consistency of conduct and 
delicacy of attention towards each other, they came to be 
universally cited, even by careless and worldly men, as an 
illustration of the happiness which might exist in mar- 
ried life, and how practically it exemplified a Christian 
profession. 

Events now marched with rapidity. 

Early in August, 1814, the English fleet, commanded 
by Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane, appeared at the 
mouth of the Patuxent, and their motions threatened a 
descent. All the available troops in the neighborhood 
were put in motion to meet him. The land forces of 
the English, on board their transports, were commanded 
by Major General Koss. The American troops, princi- 
pally raw militia, were placed under the orders of Major 
General Winder, a well-educated, but vacillating and 
inefficient soldier. The regiment to which Mr. Cone 
belonged was put " en route " from Baltimore, and 
reached Bladensburg in time to share the disas- 
trous fortunes of fliat day of shame — a day which left so 
dark a stain upon the annals of American story. 

Mrs. Cone was necessarily left alone in Baltimore 
with her infant boy, then between five and six months 
old. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 109 

Mr. Cone's two sisters, Amelia and Kitty (Mrs. Nor- 
vell), were in Washington. Mr. Norvell, his brother-in- 
law, and partner in the " Baltimore Whig," was also 
an officer in the army, and on duty in a different 
regiment. 

The English, under Koss, landed at a point on the 
Patuxent and began to ascend the banks of the river in 
the direction of Washington. A small number of gun- 
boats, commanded by Commodore Barney, unable to 
oppose the overwhelming force of the English fleet, had 
taken refuge in the Patuxent. On the approach of the 
British, by the orders of the Secretary of War, to prevent 
his boats falling into their hands, he set fire to them and 
abandoned them. Their crews, and a large part of their 
artillery, were safely withdrawn, a circumstance which 
indeed saved th^ irregular force of the Americans, 
shortly after, from complete annihilation. 

Gen. Winder, with between three and four thousand 
men, mostly militia, hastily drawn together, took post 
at Bladensburg, and prepared to dispute the approach 
to the national capitol. 

The village of Bladensburg lies in Prince George 
county, Maryland, about six miles northeast from Wash- 
' ington, in the midst of a fertile country. The village 
is still small, and at that time was composed of a few 
straggling houses, which afforded a very slight and inef- 
ficient shelter from the fire of the enemy. 

It contains about four hundred inhabitants. The 
houses are some of them brick. It lies between two 
branches of the Potomac. The Anacostic, or eastern 
. branch, is narrow and shallow ; nothing more, in fact, 
than a small creek near the town. The road from Balti- 
more to Washington crosses it by a wooden bridge. 

The battle was fought along the rising groimd be- 
yond the town. 



110 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Major Pinckney's battalion, to which Mr. Cone was 
attached, reached Bladensburg the day before the battle 
by forced marches, and exposed to the scorching of an 
August sun. Completely jaded, and almost demoralized 
by want of rest, bad food, and harassing marches, they 
slept where they halted, throwing themselves upon the 
ground, without food, or fire to cook it. Everything was 
disorder, confusion, and contradiction. The command- 
ing general, interfered with by the President and Secre- 
taries, issued orders which never reached those to 
whom they were directed, and formed plans which no 
one took the trouble to execute. 

Thus, when the battle took place the next day, the 
self-selected position, and stubborn bravery of 
Commodore Barney and his marines, with some pieces 
of artillery, alone prevented the total annihilation of the 
heterogeneous force gathered about Washington. 

General Stansbury's brigade, to which Sterrett's Balti- 
more 5th, and Pinckney's Rifles belonged, came in on the 
evening of the 22d of August. Sterrett and Pinckney's 
commands reached the field the next day. 

They were fine troops, well disciplined and reliable, 
but the position into which they were forced, by a kind 
of unaccountable madness, reduced them to a level with 
the rabble of militia, whose wonderful rapidity in retreat 
gave the battle the name of the Bladensburg Races. 

Broken down by fatigue, without ammunition more 
than the few rounds in each man's cartridge box, Pinck- 
ney's men were pushed forward to occupy a high hill, 
more than a mile beyond the front of Winder's line of 
battle, and cover the flank of Barney's battery. Thus 
exposed, and entirely unsupported, they fired away their 
ammunition and broke. The eflbrts of their ofiicers to 
rally them were fruitless. The whole American line 
were in full flight, and the panic had become universal. 



LIFE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTON CONE. Ill 

The Baltimoreans followed the general example, and 
scattered beyond the hope of reorganization. Three 
times, however, with his handful of men and ship's 
guns, the gallant Barney drove the English back to 
cover, and his battery was only silenced when a British 
detachment had completely turned his position, and he 
himself had received the wound, of which he ultimately 
died, and was a prisoner in their hands. 

The strangest part of the disgraceful history is, that 
the American army ran away, before a single man of 
them was killed ; whilst the English lost five hundred 
Tcilled^ and an equal proportion of wounded, before Bar- 
ney's position was forced. 

The intention of the British commander to march 
on to Washington was evident, and the danger to which 
its inhabitants were exposed imminent. 

Giving the few companions they could influence, their 
route for Baltimore, Messrs. Cone and Norvell hastened 
to Washington, to effect, if possible, the timely escape of 
Kitty and Amelia Cone. Kitty (Mrs Norvell), was 
within a few w^eeks of her confinement with her first 
child, Spencer, who was in fact born about a month 
afterwards, and inheriting the family failing, entered the 
United States army at an early age, and distinguished 
himself by gallantry and good conduct in the Mexican 
war. Passing unharmed through the terrible battles in 
which his regiment, the 3d infantry, were engaged on 
General Taylor's line of operations, he returned home to 
die at West Point of dysentery. 

A few hours after the battle at Bladensburg, the 
stragglers from the field came flying on the wings of 
fear through Washington. Possessed with a dastardly 
panic, they rushed through the city, spreading, upon 
every side, the report that the American army was 
defeated, and the British marching close upon their 



112 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

heels, to burn, plunder, and destroy the capital. A 
scene of terror and confusion ensued impossible to des- 
cribe. Men, women, and children, flying through 
the streets — everything open and abandoned, and ter- 
ror and uncertainty depicted upon every face. 

Alone and unprotected Kitty, and Amelia could only 
follow the general example. The marauding expedi- 
tions of the British fleet upon the southern coast, their 
frightful cruelties and excesses, left nothing to hope for 
any one who should fall into their hands. 

Hastily making up a bag of clothes and securing 
what money they had, the two helpless women prepared 
to fly. They set out not knowing whither. In the yard 
of the President's house they came upon a fugitive soldier 
sick and unable to go farther. His condition and words 
heightened their terror. They turned in another direc- 
tion. Their way was blocked with men and women and 
cart-loads of household gear. No one could assist them. 
No one would point out to them their road, and they 
were strangers in the city. The selfishness of fear pos- 
sessed every one, and each thought only of himself. 
Thus they wandered helplessly to and fro, every 
moment adding to their apprehension and bewilderment. 

Suddenly Kitty Norvell catches a sight of her brother 
struggling through the press, and exclaims, " Oh ! 
there's Spencer." 

Jaded, .covered with dust, and grimed with the smoke 
of the battle ; his feather shot away, and uniform torn 
with shot and bayonet, and covered with blood and dirt — • 
in spite of all, the eye of the sister recognized, and her 
cry of mingled agony and hope reached him. 

At that moment a militia-man, one of the heroic band 
which had deserted the field without firing a shot, offi- 
ciously prospered his protection to the ladies, and boast- 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 113 

ingly offered to defend them from any given number of 
red-coats. 

Thrusting the crowd aside, the young soldier reached 
his sisters in time to hear the offer of the braggadocio. 
With a fiery and bitter word of contempt, he drove 
him back. The man came up again to attack him, but 
catching him by the body, he exerted a physical power, 
at all times unusually great, but when nervously excited, 
herculean, and with a single jerk hurled him headlong 
amongst the crowd. 

Clasping his sisters to his bosom, he allayed, with a 
few calm but energetic words, their excited fears. So 
vivid v/as the impression produced by the events of that 
and the succeeding days, that his sister Amelia, who is 
our informant, recollects nearly every word and look 
that passed between them. 

"Come, girls," said he, " there is no danger. We have 
time plenty. Can't you find me something to eat. I 
am starving. I have not had a mouthful of food for 
twenty-four hours, and have been marching or fighting 
the whole time." 

By this time Mr. Norvell, and McKenzie, of Baltimore, 
who had followed him, joined the group, and begged 
the women to show them where there was something to 
eat. They were literally famishing. 

Hastening back to the house together, the women found 
and set before them all that w^asleft in the larder, which 
consisted of a bowl of milk, and a cold chicken. 

McKenzie, a dashing Baltimorean, a brave and noble 
fellow, and a devoted companion in arms of Spencer H., 
was literally in rags. He had no stockings, and his 
light boots were worn out with marching; whilst his 
gay uniform had been cut into '' looped and windowed 
raggedness," in the desperate stand they had made 



114 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

around Barney's Battery, to cover the American re- 
treat. 

Swallowing liis share of the milk, and wrenching off 
a leg of chicken, which he thrust into his pocket, he 
left the ladies to the care of the two others, and rushed 
away for a moment amongst the crowd, to aid, if possible 
some unprotected fugitive. That done, he rejoined the 
little party. Their hasty meal dispatched, they pre- 
pared to abandon house and household stuff to the tender 
mercies of the enemy, and walk away. Lieutenant Cone's 
feet were, however, so blistered with marching, that, 
after a while, he found it impossible to use them. A 
pony w^as luckily grazing in a neighboring field. Nor- 
vell caught him, and Cone mounted him. Thus they pro- 
ceed upon their journey, JSTorvell, McKenzie, and the two 
women walking by his side. 

Stopping at the President's house, now deserted by 
all but a few servants, Amelia ran in and asked for some 
wine for the men. One of the servants caught up a bot- 
tle of wine, put it upon a silver salver, and thrusting 
both into her hands, took to his heels. The wine gave 
them new life in their w^earied and half-famished condi- 
tion ; it supplied a strength w^hich food would have been 
incapable of doing, even had it been possible to procure 
it. 

Thus refreshed, they took up their line of retreat 
across the Potomac ; crossed the bridge, and proceeded 
without interruption for three miles. 

Night was now coming on ; the roads were unfamiliar, 
and straggling parties of the enemy infested the country. 
The condition of Mrs. Norvell, the exhaustion of the 
men, demanded rest and repose. They must sleep, if it 
were on the ground by the way-side. Halting the sad 
little cavalcade in a sheltered spot, the men by turns 
played the comforter and the scout. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 115 

After a little while they discovered, not far away, an 
old deserted mansion, and hastened to take shelter in it. 
Family, servants — every living thing had abandoned it. 
Everything also, either eatable or drinkable, and the 
greater part of the furniture, appeared to have been 
removed. They discovered afterwards that the house 
belonged to Mr. Wise, grandfather of Henry A. Wise 
of Accomac. 

Desolate and comfortless as it was, it was better 
than a lodging in the open field, and they congratulated 
themselves heartily upon being able to house the sick 
and wearied women for the night. 

After much hunting they were fortunate enough to 
find a light, and began to explore every possible recep- 
tacle of food, happy if they should discover anywhere 
a forgotten crust or two, to appease the demands of an 
imperious hunger. Finally, and when they had almost 
given up in despair, and soldier fashion, had begun to 
draw their belts a hole tighter, to stop the importunate 
suggestions of the stomach — far away in a dim corner 
of the garret, they came upon a barrel, in the bottom of 
which remained a few handfuls of wheaten flour. A 
fire was soon kindled in the kitchen, and the women 
busy preparing a frugal, but to the famished party, lux- 
urious supper of wheaten cakes, made in the most prim- 
itive fashion, of flour and water. 

The whole party, both men and women, were so com- 
pletely exhausted that sleep seized them almost before 
the last mouthful of their meagre supper had been dis- 
patched. The bundle of clothes, caught up by the 
women in their hasty preparation for flight, was 
spread down in a corner for the weakest of the party, 
Mrs. Nor veil and the men threw themselves upon the 
floor and slept. Everything gave place to the influence 
of fatigue, and the reaction of a day of fierce and con- 



116 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

tiniioHs excitement. Too spent and wearied to care or 
think. Not a man was able to keep watcli. Nodding, 
half asleep, Spencer H. says to Amelia : " Mele, if the 
British push a column upon Alexandria, to burn the 
city, they must pass this house, they can't help it. The 
house stands so that it must necessarily be seen by 
them and w^e shall have the red-coats beating up our quar- 
ters before morning. If you can keep awake, go to the ' 
bottom of the garden occasionally, and keep a look-out 
for them." 

When they were all asleep Amelia Cone stole quietly 
out, and took her station by the wall at the lower end 
of the garden, and there she kept her watch all night I 
long. In the distance, the burning Capitol and public 
buildings at Washington, sacrificed to the wanton rage 
of the British soldiery, and the barbarous policy of 
their commanders, lighted up the sky with a sinister 
and lurid flame. The silence of the night, its loneliness 
and darkness, broken occasionally by the distant noise 
and rumbling of wheels, which fancy easily suggested 
as the passage of artillery and baggage- wagons, or the 
echo of a musket-shot — fired by some drunken English 
soldier, as he pursued his work of outrage and plunder 
in Washington or its environs — all conspired to subject 
the courage of a young and solitary girl to a terrible 
proof. She kept her post, however, and played the 
sentinel, till the first grey streak of day stole upon the 
darkness. 

The party were soon awakened, and prepared to 
resume their retreat. The close vicinity of Mr. Wise's 
house to Washington, and the want of provisions, ren- 
dered it impossible to delay a moment with safety. 

About daylight one or two of the slaves belonging to 
the plantation had ventured back to the house. The 
pony is caught, and Spencer proposes to put him to a 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 117 

cart which has been left behind in the yard by the 
fugitives from the mansion where they passed the night. 
The slaves refuse to allow them to take the cart, and 
attempt to prevent them. Spencer, however, intimates, 
in his peculiarly stern manner,, that he will have the 
cart, or whatever else is necessary for the service ; 
tells them who he is — that they may report the facts 
to their master, and say that Spencer H. Cone of the 
United States Army has taken such and such things for 
the service of the government ; promising, if j)racticable, 
to return them to their owner. Should he be unable to 
do so, Mr. Wise must charge it to the United States, 
and Mr. Cone will certify his account. It is not known 
. whether the property ever found its way back to the 
right owner ; but no charge was ever made for it 
against the United States. 

Spencer H. immediately set to work and manufac- 
tured a harness of ropes, and put the pony to the cart. 
But the pony had evidently never been in harness 
before, and neither force nor coaxing could budge him 
an inch. Go he must, however, for Mrs. l^orvell's state 
would not permit her to walk farther. Putting the 
women into the cart therefore, the men fell to at the 
refractory pony for the last time, and by dint of whip- 
ping, pushing, coaxing and leading, got him off. Spen- 
cer H., spite of the terrible condition of his feet, trudged 
at his head. Kitty ITorvell, lying faint and sick in the 
bottom of the cart, raised her head, and pointing in 
admiration to her brother's steady stride, conscious that 
every step so firm in appearance was an agony, 
I exclaimed to Amelia, " Look at the Christian soldier !" 
: It was indeed an exhibition of the character. No vain 
: desire of military glory had armed him for the field. 
Full of an exalted faith in the God of battles, and feel- 
ing that the defence of the Kepublic was the service of 



118 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Him who had graciously made it the grand theatre of 
His mercy to His people, the peculiar place in which 
His truth expanded under the benign influences of 
civil and religious freedom, to draw the sword against 
its invaders seemed to him as much the duty of the 
Christian as the honor of the soldier. 

Thus they trudged along for five or six miles. It was 
in the midst of August, and beneath a southern sun, 
which already, even at that early hour of the day, 
began to dart upon them a fiery heat. The atmosphere 
was suffocating. 

Reaching the edge of a piece of woods, they took 
Mrs. Norvell out and laid her in the shade upon the 
grass and strove to revive her. Hunger pursued them. 
The few wheaten cakes of the night before had served 
rather to irritate than appease it. The men exhausted 
threw themselves down in the shade of the woodj 
unable to proceed. Kitty recovering from her faintness 
looked anxiously about, and discovered, through the 
trees in the distance, something which looked like a 
house. A strange compound of energy and mildness, a 
will of iron, and a manner of engaging sweetness, Kitty 
Norvell appears to have been a woman of uncommon 
qualities, a Christian of rare humility and consistency 
of character. 

She insisted upon going to the house. Arrived at it 
she found only a poor negro girl. Kitty, with her sweet 
persuasive voice, told her they were literally starving, 
and asked if she could not help them. 

The black girl, ashamed to offer such j)oor fare to 
white gentle folks, said she had nothing but a piece of 
pork, a bowl of milk, and an apple. Kitty took gladly 
what the poor girl was equally glad to give, and 
returned to the wood. Then quite gaily, miserable 
plight as they were in, they sat upon the grass and fell 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 119 

to, Spencer cutting the pork with his jack-knife and 
serving it around to each, upon the point, with impartial 
justice. Each took a draught of milk, in turn, from the 
bowl, and the apple falls to the lot of Mr. Norvell. 
"With many heartfelt thanks to the generous negro, who 
refused peremptorily to receive anything else in pay- 
ment for her timely succor, they resumed their journey 
through the wood. Penetrating deeper and deeper, by 
a road rough and little used, except occasionally in 
carting wood, they had reached the thickest part of it, 
when the sky is overcast, the wind begins to sigh 
mournfully through the trees, and the thunder to mutter 
audibly in the distance. With the rapidity of the 
change incident to a southern climate, the sweltering 
and motionless atmosphere is changed to a keen and 
hurrying blast; the sky grows black as night, and a 
tropical storm bursts over them in all its terrors. The 
deafening peals of thunder, and the glare of the light- 
ning, bewilder them. The poor pony, shaking with terror, 
refuses to move. A tornado, the almost inevitable 
accompaniment of such a storm, and of the terrific 
violence of which the inhabitants of colder latitudes can 
form no just idea, crashed through the wood — passing 
within a stone's throw of them, twisting up gigantic 
trees by the roots, and hurling them to the ground as if 
they had been straws. The road is rendered impassable 
and the horse and wagon become useless. Drenched 
fco the skin, and almost dead with fatigue and excite- 
ment, men and women are compelled to take to their 
feet, and wander in search of shelter. Often falling 
amongst the branches and broken trees, which strewed 
the ground, and often losing each other in the blinding 
rain and darkness of the storm, they pass a dreadful 
hour, in which hope almost deserts them. 

At last, however, they found refuge in a log house. 



120 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

It was the dwelling of a good methodist family. All 
the men of the family, and all their horses and vehicles 
of every sort, were away with the American army, but 
the women were at home. It was enough for them to see 
the miserable plight of the wanderers ; more than enough 
to see the torn and battle-stained uniforms of the men. 
The good souls turned every press and cupboard inside 
out in their haste, and gave them all dry clothes. Then, 
kindling a great fire in the old-fashioned fire-place, 
which was nearly as large as a modern room, they put on 
an enormous tea-kettle ; broiled some fresh shad, and 
heaped a table with home-made bread and cakes, and 
all the house afforded — thanking God that he gave 
them the privilege of doing anything for those who suf- 
fered righteously. 

Poor Mrs. Norvell had a narrow escape of it. They 
laid her in their best bed, and covered her up warmly, 
and watched her like a sick child. But her strength 
had almost failed her. For days she lay half insensible, 
and the little nourishment which could be given her by 
opening her mouth and putting it in, a spoonful at a 
time, barely kept her alive. 

Next morning, filled with anxiety for his wife and 
child, and uncertain in what direction the British forces 
would make their next destructive foray, Spencer H. 
left his sisters to the kind care of the Christian family, 
and started off on foot for Baltimore. 

His wife, whom the accounts of the disastrous affair 
at Bladensburg had already reached, and whose state of 
anxiety may be imagined, was watching from her win- 
dow, and scanning every passer-by, in search of the 
familiar face of some of her husband's companions 
in arms, to ask how it was with him. At last, after 
many weary hours, she saw her husband coming — alive 
— that was all. She flew to open the door and receive 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 121 

him. As lie reached it, the factitious energy which had 
sustained him ceased, and he fell heavily into the passage. 

When carried to the chamber and put to bed, upon 
drawing off his stockings the entire skin beneath came 
off with them. It was in this state, walking as it were 
with every step upon burning coals, that he had marched 
for two days. 

A few days' rest, and a constitution of iron, restored 
him, and he resumed the active duties of the camp. At 
the request of Major "William Pinckney, and under a 
brevet comniission, he had taken command of one of the 
companies of the 5th Rifle regiment, before the battle 
of Bladensburg. Its captain (Aisquith) was absent, 
on leave, at a distance, and Pinckney preferred entrusting 
it to a personal friend rather than a stranger. The 
arrangement was afterwards sanctioned by the War 
Department. 

After destroying, in mere wantonness of malice, all the 
public buildings at the National Capital, blowing up the 
great bridge over the Potomac, destroying the rope- 
yards, &c., and rifling private dwellings of whatever 
portable aud valuable things had been left behind by 
the inhabitants, the gallant and humane enemy re-em- 
barked, and hovered along the coast. 

On the 27th of August, Captain Gordon, in the Sea- 
horse, and a large detachment of the fleet, attacked the 
defenceless city of Alexandria, and levied a large contri- 
bution as the price of sparing the town the fate of its un- 
lucky neighbor — Washington. 

The ''Bladensburg Paces,". as they were not inaptly 
called, and the bloodless conquest of Alexandria, inspired 
the English commanders with the idea of attacking Bal- 
timore, where they pleased themselves with believing 
that an equally amusing promenade awaited them. 
Happily for that city the calculation proved erroneous. 

6 



c 



122 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Early in September 1814, the Britisli fleet sailed up tlie 
Chesapeake, and about fifty sail anchored at a respectful 
distance below the city. 

Mr. Cone, amongst others, was ordered to fort McHen- 
ry, and remained in its neighborhood during th e wh ole 
bombardment, which took place on the 13th of September.' 
Speaking of the power of fatigue to blunt the feelings, 
we have heard him say that the night of the bombard- 
ment, although it was the first he had ever seen, he 
slept as soundly in the immediate vicinity of the fort as he § 
ever did in his life. His company had been on active r 
scouting duty all day, and at night lay a little below the C 
fort at Whetstone point, watching the movements of the 
enemy, and ready to report any attempt at efl*ecting a r - 
landing. Wrapping his cloak around him, he sat down ^■ 
at the foot of a tree, and leaning Against it, watched the ^.; 
shells as they traversed the air— making a line of light 
which marked their course through the darkness of the ^ 
night. Gradually his wearied eyes closed of themselves ; 
and amid all the noise of the bombardment he fell into 
a sweet, refreshing sleep. Several shells fell and explo- 
ded near him during the night, without disturbing him. 

During the bombardment, Mrs. Cone took her eldest 
child in her arms, and escorted by her brother-in-law, 
Joseph Cone, left the city on foot, and walked thus 
many miles, frail and delicate as she was, before any- 
thing in the shape of a vehicle could be procured. It 
will be readily understood that her afi*ection for Great 
Britain was never afterwards of a lively character. 
Indeed, if any of her race or her husband's succeed in 
conquering a feeling against that government, it will 
be under the influence of that precept which teaches us 
'' to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despite- 
fnlly use us," Memory and aftection pull strongly in 
an opposite direction, since few of the men of either race 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 123 

up to the present generation but carried with them to the 
grave the marks of British bayonet and bullet. Readily 
as we admit the superiority of England, as a constitu- 
tional government, over her continental neighbors, and 
heartily as we join in love with the free and Christian 
spirit of her people in peace, the memories of the revol- 
utionary times, and the later events of 1812 — 14, must die 
out, before she can hope to find sympathy on this side 
of the Atlantic in her warlike operations. Americans 
always separate in their minds the people and the gov- 
ernment of England. Against the former they have no 
feelings of hostility ; for the latter little love. An oli- 
garchy scarcely less debased, effete, and arrogant, than 
that of Yenice before its final suppression by Napoleon 
the Great, it misrepresents, in peace, the free spirit of the 
people it oppresses ; and, in war, stains their character 
by the follies and excesses it commands. Twice it has 
plunged into war two nations of the same stock, the 
the same blood, temper — and we are bold to say, the 
same affection for well-regulated freedom ; nations 
which should, and if equally governed by the will of the 
people — would, go hand in hand, in the exalted mission 
of civilizing and christianizing the world. It may have 
power to do so again. If it should, the mind recoils with 
horror from the prospect of a war, which the stubborn 
temper of the two great divisions of the Anglo-Saxon 
race, their equality in w^ealth, and possession of warlike 
material, would render perhaps the most sanguinary and 
destructive in the history of the world. 

During tlie bombardment of Fort McHenry, the 
English threw over three thousand shells, without how- 
ever doing any material injury, the fort being pretty 
strong and admirably placed, though at that time an 
open work. The city is built around the basin formed 
by a branch of the Patapsco river, and which is nearly 



124 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

two miles long, by a mile and three-qnarters broad. 
Fort McHenry stands at the point of the peninsula 
which forms the mouth of the harbor, and completely 
commands the passage. Fell's Point and Whetstone 
Point form the termini on either side of the outer 
harbor. 

Finding it impossible to force the harbor, or destroy 
its defences, the English commanders determined to 
land, and attempt to take the town in reverse. 

Captain Aisquith's company, commanded by Mr. 
Cone, in that gentleman's absence, and the companies 
of Captains Levering and Howard, were ordered forward 
to feel the pulse of the enemy. 

It was the 12th day of September, 1814. Between 
five and six thousand British regulars and marines, 
under General Koss, and Admirals Cochrane, Cockbiirn, 
Malcolm, Codrington and Napier, landed at ISTorth 
Point, and proceeded, without meeting with any resis- 
tance, about four miles on the road to Baltimore. 

Here the two companies of Sterrett's regiment, 
Levering's, and Howard's, and Cone's Rifles, had 
taken post. The detachment was commanded by 
Major Ei chard Heath, and burning to retrieve the 
honor of the corps, which had been compromised by 
the disastrous retreat of Bladensburg, they contested 
the ground, inch by inch, against the British advance. 

The uniform of the ''Rifles" was a natural green, 
which toned in with the leaves or grass, and aided 
materially to conceal them. They wore no ornaments 
to catch the eye, or betray them, when desirous of con- 
cealment, by reflecting the sun or light. The only mark 
of the corps, except the color of their uniform, if we 
remember accurately Mr. Cone's description, was a 
silver bugle embroidered on the cap-band. 

As they were moving through a field of tall grass, 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 125 

which, by the similarity of its color to that of their dress, 
completely masked their march, the quick tramp of a 
troop of horse struck their ear. They had just reached 
the fence which bounded the field, and the first rank 
were in the act of climbing it. Their acting Captain, 
Mr. Cone, was far enough in advance to catch the first 
glimpse of the enemy. His quick eye told him instant- 
ly what it was. Gaily dressed, and glittering in all the 
bravery of scarlet and gold, the troop of horse were 
visible at a great distance. Before his men had cleared 
the fence and formed in open order for the march, the 
troop were near enough for him to distinguish their 
dress, and see, from the glancing of aiguillette and 
epaulette, that it was a reconnoitering party of general 
ofiicers, probably the staff of the Commanding General 
himself. The party rode up to a knoll, and halting upon 
the top, busied themselves with their glasses. The 
instant they did so Mr. Cone ordered his men to fall 
back along the cover, and give the enemy a dash, for 
the purpose of preventing their making any discoveries 
as to the position and force of the American troops. 
The first platoon levelled their unerring rifles and fired. 
The volley was delivered with an effect of which they 
had not dreamed. The squad of English officers were 
in fact, the Commanding General's staff. That single 
volley scattered them, and General Eoss himself fell 
mortally wounded. Great as the distance was, the 
American rifle performed its deadly work with accus- 
tomed accuracy. 

The brief interval of this episode in the battle had, 
however, afforded time for the heads of the English 
columns to come into action. The confusion which 
followed the loss of their General, and for some 
moments left them wavering and uncertain, afforded a 



126 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

welcome and terrible opportunity for the American 
Light Troops, and the rapid fire of the rifles, every man 
of whom picked his man in the opposing ranks, and 
marked him down as if practising at a target, opened 
wide gaps in the English ranks. 

The command of the British forces was soon assumed 
by Colonel Brooke, the line pushed forward at " double- 
quick," and the American advanced guard driven 
back upon the main body. They fell back coolly 
and in order, however, skirmishing, and disputing the 
English advance, with dogged resolution. For the first 
time, the veterans of the Peninsu.lar war, who had been 
promenading the shores of the Chesapeake, had come face 
to face with picked and drilled American troops, and 
the game of war was to be fairly played, upon an open 
field, between English stubbornness and Yankee hero- 
ism. Every charge covered the ground with English 
dead. Their loss was very heavy, far greater than they 
ever admitted in their official statements. 

The rifles of the 5th, emptying themselves amongst 
the masses of the English columns, committed terrible 
havoc. We have heard Mr. Cone detail, with great 
particularity, this part of the battle. In retiring, he 
threw his men behind a heavy winding fence, which, 
for some distance, partially covered them, and enabled 
them to make repeated and successful stands against the 
enemy. It was in an angle of this fence that MacComas 
and "Wells fell. Wells fell across Mr. Cone's feet, and 
uttering the words, " 1 am a dead man. Captain " — died 
almost instantly. The names of these brave fellows 
who sealed their patriotism with their lives, may be read 
upon the Battle Monument in Calvert street, Baltimore. 

The gallant stand of the three companies, enabled 
the Baltimore Brigade, under General John Strieker, to 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 127 

get into position, and wKen the advancing English came 
upon the main body of the Americans, numbering about 
three thousand men, they found it impossible to dis- 
lodge them. Strieker had posted them with skill, and 
flanked by the cavalry of Colonel Biays, and a battery 
of six-pounders under Captain Montgomery, they with- 
stood, for over an hour, the combined British force, 
numbering more than six thousand men. At no time 
during the battle were a greater number than fifteen 
Mmclred of the Americans actually engaged, and 
amongst these the weight of the contest fell upon 
Pinckney's Brigade. The 5th and 2Yth Regiments 
particularly distinguished themselves, by brilliant and 
reckless fighting. After an hour's severe conflict, almost 
hand to hand, the regiment of Col. Amey wavered, 
and finally broke — leaving the American flank exposed 
to be turned. General Strieker immediately changed 
front, and withdrawing the regiments of Sterrett, 
McDonald, Long and Fowler, and Pinckney's rifles, 
re-formed his line a short distance in the rear of 
his flrst position, and offered battle a second time. 
Although outnumbering his antagonist four to one^ the 
first position had been so gallantly maintained, and, 
when yielded, the second assumed with such prompti- 
tude and spirit by the Americans, that Col. Brooke did 
not dare to attempt to force it. 

Thus a superior number of veteran British troops 
were brilliantly defeated by a handful of Americans. 
It is not a little curious, too, to observe that the weight 
of the battle was borne, and borne with dogged stub- 
bornness and resolution, by the very men, who, a few 
days before, had shared in the panic of Bladensburg, 
and yielded the possession of the National capitol to 
the invader, almost without a contest. The barbarous 
scenes enacted there by the English troops, the burning 



128 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

of the public buildings, and general destruction of the 
seat of government, no doubt, exasperated their minds 
and lent them stern reasons for defending their homes, 
and firesides in Baltimore from a similar visit of mercy; 
but the difference in handling had more to do with it. 
At Bladensburg, regulars and militia, volunteers and 
amateurs, were inextricably mixed up with Presidents 
and Secretaries — Generals without a command, and 
commands with a dozen Generals to each, and no two 
things agreeing ; they were without food, or ammunition, 
and one militia regiment 'without ^ints to their muskets. 
At Baltimore, or rather North Point, they were 
volunteer regiments, it is true ; but well-drilled ; pro- 
perly brigaded — commanded by their own officers — 
everything, in short, prepared and well-ordered. They 
demonstrated, therefore, that six weeks' experience in 
the field makes as good soldiers of Americans as six 
years does of the men of other countries; and renders 
them fit to be pitted against the veteran troops of any 
nation. As a battle — that of Long Point is very remark- 
able. It was fought entirely by volunteers, in the open 
field, against veteran troops, flushed with a late and easy 
victory. It was a battle of tactics ; and the American 
combinations were carried out, and the regimental and 
division movements effected with admirable and almost 
unvarying precision and success — one regiment only, 
that of Col. Amey, failing to maintain the post or play 
the part assigned it. 

Disheartened by the battle of North Point, and the 
strong state of defence into which the city of Baltimore 
had been put by General Samuel Smith, a veteran dis- 
tinguished for his brilliant repulse of the English attack 
upon Fort Mifflin, during the Kevolutionary War, Colo- 
nel Brooke, and the gallant bevy of admirals who had so 
long been the terror of all the old women and hen-roosts 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 129 

on the shores of the Chesapeake, commenced their 
retreat to their shipping. A division of the American 
army under General Winder, consisting of Douglas's 
Yirginians and some regular troops, attempted to get 
into his rear and cut him off, but favored by the dark- 
ness of the night and the rapidity of his movements 
Colonel Brooke effected his escape, and re-embarked, 
under cover of the fire from the British fleet. On the 
next day the English fleet formed in a semicircle at a 
safe distance from Fort McHenry, and shelled it during 
the entire day and night. It was on this occasion that 
Mr. Cone lay near the fort with his company, as we 
have already described. 

At midnight several bomb-vessels, rocket-boats, and 
a large division of barges, carrying twelve hundred men, 
attempted to turn the fort, by entering the Cove in its 
rear. In attempting to pass the six-gun water battery, 
however, they were received with such a sustained and 
terrific fire of red-hot shot, and lost in a few minutes so 
large a portion of their force, that they were glad to 
abandon the enterprise, and fall back to their original 
anchorage beyond the reach of the American artillery. 

Nothing but the exhausted condition of the American 
troops, and a violent storm of rain which set in, on the 
night succeeding Brooke's demonstration against the 
city, saved the English army from capture or annihila- 
tion. 

With the embarkation of Brooke's force, the cannon- 
ade against Fort McHenry ceased, and the invaders, 
completely foiled and beaten, relinquished their designs 
against the city. 

The battles upon the lakes, and general turn of affairs 
in America, convinced the English ministry of the 
hopelessness of further attempts, and peace was soon 

after concluded between the two countries. That it may 

6^ 



130 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

never again be broken, is the earnest hope of every 
true Christian and philanthropist. In his own language 
at Baltimore, in 1841. We " deprecate war as one of the 
greatest of national calamities — especially a war between 
Great Britain and the United States." 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 131 



CHAPTER YIII. 

FOES WITHOUT AND FEAES WITHIN. 

The war which paralyzed so many branches of Amer- 
ican industry, and spread its influences very far beyond 
the circle of its actual horrors, produced the most dis- 
heartening effect upon the fortune of the subject of this 
memoir. 

It was found impossible to make collections. Thou- 
sands of dollars stood upon the books of the paper, but 
scarcely one could be realized. In the mean time, those 
to whom, in the course of business, the establishment 
was necessarily indebted, became pressing and clamorous 
for their money. As every branch of trade and industry 
had felt the pressure, and suffered from the effect of 
prolonged hostilities, the relations of business assumed 
the distressing aspect, which war or commercial panic 
commonly produce. 

The pleasant little house in Pratt street, which Spen- 
cer H. had taken and furnished for his young wife, had 
to be given up. The preparation of it for her reception 
had been at once a matter of pleasure and sacrifice to 
him. Many of the articles in it were endeared as 
mementoes of friendship. His warmest friend in Balti- 
more was Edward Priestley, a man of his own age, and 
a wealthy dealer in cabinet ware. Mr. Priestley's house 
was his home in Baltimore before his marriage. The 
two young men were so near the same size and figure, 
that their clothes fitted either indifferently. And 
if one happened to get a new coat or other article of 



132 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

dress, the first who got up in the morning was sure to 
appropriate it; Priestley vowing that Spencer H. had 
more than his share, by an abominable habit of rising 
early, which he could never acquire. 

The friendship which subsisted between them was 
extraordinary. Ardent associates in political principle, 
as well as personal tastes and habits, they differed upon 
nothing but religion. In the latter, unfortunately, 
Priestley was a free-thinker, and bitterly opposed to what 
he styled " Methodism," in which invidious formula he 
included all profession of religious sentiments. 

Whilst preparing his house in Baltimore, Spencer H. 
wrote to a friend — " Ned Priestley tells me to take no 
trouble about the little things, for there shall be nothing 
wanting. Was there ever such a friend?" 

Mr. Cone's conversion and strong religious convic- 
tions, threw the first chill over their friendship. Priestley 
resented his joining the church, almost as a personal 
wrong, and they gradually ceased to see or communicate 
with each other, but Mr. Cone cherished for him always 
the warmest sentiments of friendship, and never ceased 
to regret that a mind naturally so fine, and a heart so 
affectionate and good, should be clouded and hardened 
by the strange follies of Atheism. 

Recollection of this beloved friend, and solicitude for 
the state of minds led astray by similar error, and pride 
of human reason, led him, as a preacher, to devote the 
most patient study to the subject; and many of his 
finest and most touching arguments and appeals, were 
made to combat, and, if possible, search out the cause 
and cure of infidelity. 

The pleasant little house in Pratt street, as we have 
said, had to be relinquished. Everything it contained 
was sold under the hammer, and the money paid to the 
creditors of the paper. A large deficit, however, still 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 133 

remained, and all the distresses of pecuniary embarrass- 
ment accumulated around him. Mrs. Cone returned to 
Philadelphia with her little boy, for they could not afford 
to live together in Baltimore ; and her husband remained 
behind, to struggle through his difficulties and secure, 
if possible, an honorable release from the creditors of the 
" Whig." Mr. and Mrs. Norvell removed to Kentucky, 
and he was thus left alone to bear the whole shock of 
the misfortune. 

A thousand circumstances combined to render the 
situation painful and embarrassing. He had had the 
nnspeakable pleasure, not long before, of believing that 
his young wife, who had seen with mingled wonder and 
incredulity his own conversion, was herself the subject 
of saving grace, and her eyes open to see the loveliness 
of the path he had chosen. He therefore writes to her : 
" You are now, my Sally, more exposed to trials and 
temptations than you have been for months past, and 
although you have never been baptized and received 
into the church militant, yet I trust you have been 
buried with Christ, and risen to newness of life. I 
beseech you, therefore, my beloved, endeavor to walk 
worthy of that high and honorable vocation wherewith 
you are called. We who believe in Jesus, and profess 
to be followers of the meek and lowly Saviour — Oh! let 
us never forget, whatever allurements the world may 
set before ns, what manner of men we ought to be in all 
holy conversation and godliness. Be not ashamed at any 
time, or in any company, of the Lamb of God, for of all 
such as are ashamed of Him npon earth. He has declared 
he will be ashamed in the day of His power. Lay these 
things to heart, and pray for the influence of the Holy 
Spirit to guide and direct you in Zion's road." 

And again, a few days after — " My love, how stands 
the great account between the Friend of sinners and your 



134 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

soul ? Hatli the Son made you free from the dominion 
of sin, or are you still gratified with worldly pursuits, 
and unwilling yet to enlist under the banner of the 
great Captain of our salvation ? I know not how nor 
why it is, but since you left me I have been severely 
exercised on your behalf. The fear that the arch enemy 
of souls had lulled you into a false peace has continu- 
ally haunted me. Oh, examine yourself strictly, and 
determine whether the placidity you enjoy be the fruit 
of love to Christ, which love alone can fill the heart 
with the peace that passeth all human understanding." 

In addition to his solicitude wdth regard to her reli- 
gious exercises, his own duties, so often, apparently, 
confiicting with the circumstances in which the mis- 
fortunes of business had entangled him, harassed and 
frequently clouded his mind with dreary thoughts. 
Through all, however, a strong and daily-increasing 
faith bore him up, and strengthened him to discharge 
whatever the inscrutable, but wise, providence of his 
Master devolved upon him. Needing consolation him- 
self, he consoles her. " Bear up, my beloved w^ife," he 
exclaims — " with all a Christian's fortitude, against 
impending evils. Look not at the things which are 
behind, but have your eyes continually fixed upon the 
mark for the prize of our great high calling in Christ 
Jesus. Let not trifling cares disturb the peaceful 
serenity of your mind ; let not even heavy burdens, 
however grievous to be borne, deter us from obtaining 
the object for which we contend. Do we sufi*er priva- 
tion of comfort ? The Son of God was content to lay in 
a manger for our sakes : for our sake. He submitted to 
be buff*eted, and spit upon by sinners, and, at last, Oh ! 
inconceivable wonder ! poured out His precious blood 
freely upon the cross, that He might reconcile us to 
God. And when this dear Saviour calls us to suffer a 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 135 

little for Him, shall we grow restive and rebel. Oh ! 
never!" 

The desire to serve the Lord, and the daily-increasing 
urgency of the members of the church in Baltimore for 
him to take part in public worship, gave additional poig- 
nancy to his regret for the hindrances interposed by the 
entanglements of business. " What shall I do ?" he 
cries. "Shall I make application for a situation at 
Washington, with the determination that I will accept ? 
if not, shall I endeavor to make a compromise with 
our creditors, in the hope of being one day able to pay 
them ? I cannot take the benefit of the Insolvent Act, 
while there is the slightest prospect of liquidating the 
claims against us. I am anxious to devote all my life 
to come to my dear Lord and Master, but were I to 
shake off these claims, would it wound His cause or 
advance it ?" 

And again — " My soul pants to be engaged in the 
work of the ministry ; but, oh ! how the way is choked 

up ! Our creditors, I fear, will not compromise ; B , 

to whom we owe $1,000, is obstinate and unfeeling; he 
will, I think, push us to the last. ^Though I have 
friends to go my security, yet to lie in a jail a single 
hour, and then plead the benefit of the insolvent law, 
seems a very hard task, if, by any honorable means, I 
can prevent or postpone so melancholy a catastrophe. 
Father, forgive me ! Shall a living man complain ? Oh, 
no! rather let me rejoice that I have been thought 
worthy to suffer. May our troubles work out patience 
and godliness, and enable us, by faith, to say — ' This is 
not our abiding city, we seek one to come.' I dare not 
promise when I will return. I am not my own property. 
I cannot do what my soul longs to do. I must prevent 
if possible, the breath of slander from tainting in the 
slightest degree my name, or how dare I hope the Lord 



136 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Jesus will make me a useful laborer in his vine- 
yard." 

About this time, and for the purpose of enabling him 
to relieve himself, he was offered the position of super- 
cargo, and an interest in a valuable mercantile venture, 
by a friend in Baltimore ; a proposition he took into 
serious consideration, as appears from several references 
to it, such as — " Mention in your next, whether you 
have consented to let me go to Europe to better my 
fortune, or whether dry land and hard knocks have the 
preference." As may be readily conceived, his wife 
opposed the plan, lucrative as it promised to be, with 
all her influence. A fortunate circumstance occurred, 
almost immediately, to second her remonstrances. 
Charles James Dallas, then Secretary of the Treasury, at 
the instance of his son, George M. Dallas, who had been 
a friend and supporter of Spencer H. during his course 
in Philadelphia, appointed him in the Treasury Depart- 
ment, and he removed with his wife and boy to the seat 
of Government. He experienced, however, the deepest 
regret at leaving Baltimore, and nothing but the "neces- 
sity of present life," overcame the desire he felt to 
remain amongst a people, who, under all circumstances, 
had displayed towards him a kindness and affection of 
no ordinary character. " Our friends," he says, " over- 
whelmed me with kindness," — this was shortly after his 
removal, and during a business visit to his former home. 
" Every one pressed me to' stay with them, and insisted 
upon it that Baltimore must be our home, and that 
something shall be done to make it a desirable one. 
Oh ! that I were more worthy their Christian regards. 
They seem bent indeed upon my staying here. They 
insist that if one business will not support me here, they 
will keep us with all their hearts till I find something 
else that will. Such is the brotherly kindness of Balti- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 137 

raoreans. Does it not resemble that which the apostles 
speak of in times of old." 

The same letter gives a glimpse of home-life nnder 
difficulties ; and to how strict an economy he condemned 
himself for the purpose of liquidating the claims against 
the " Whig." 

Cynthia, their only house-servant, whom, indeed, they 
could as little affi)rd to keep as bear to part with, and 
himself, formed the whole household of '' retrenchment." 

" Nothing of importance," he says, " has transpired. 
Cynthia and I rise with the sun here in Baltimore, con- 
tinually ; which to you wise and philosophical Philadel- 
phians, I suppose, seems a paradox, but I assure you, 
nevertheless, it is literally true. To day (May 22d) I 
have indulged in very nice peas at 37|- cents per peck, 
and if I had anybody to eat with me, no doubt they 
would relish delightfully. It has been uncommonly 
warm for two days past. My ancient greens have 
drawn forth from my poor benders, copious streams of 
perspiration. I can't stand it much longer. I shall be 
compelled, I fear, to buy summer pantaloons. How 
fares the purse by this time ? I have between $20 and 
$30 owing in Philadelphia, on account of the ' Whig ' 
which will be collected and given to you." 

The above extract is only one of many which 
might be given as evidence of the manly energy and 
healthful elasticity of mind, with which he looked 
trouble and sacrifice in the* face. Accustomed, during 
the latter part of his secular career, to luxurious living, 
extravagance of dress and equipage, and the company 
of wealthy and fashionable people, he sacrifices every- 
thing to the idea of duty, not with a repining or dejected 
spirit, but with a kind of gaiety. Sometimes, indeed, 
depressed, when " neither sun nor stars appear for many 
days," but very soon through all the gloom, seeing by 



138 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

faith the shining face of his heavenly Father, even behind" 
a frowning Providence. Sometimes feeling as if he 
were sinking in the deep waters, but very shortly hear- 
ing the eternal voice calling through the storm — " Be 
not afraid, it is I.'' — and walking the troubled sea of 
human sorrows, and earthly trials, with confidence and 
hope — secure that " neither death nor life, nor any other 
creature could separate him from the love of God," or 
prevent the ultimate accomplishment of His will. 

On his appointment by Mr. Secretary Dallas, he 
removed his church membership, from the first church 
in Baltimore, to the Baptist church at Washington, of 
which Rev. Obadiah B. Brown was pastor. 

The history of that time, so interesting and so happy 
in its results, is best told by himself 

" In the course of three or four weeks (after my remo- 
val to "Washington, D. 0.) the deacon of the little church 
at the Navy Yard asked me to go with him to their 
Lord's-day morning prayer-meeting. They had no 
pastor, and asked me to lead the meeting, and give 
the little band of twenty or thirty, a word of exhorta- 
tion. 

"In reading 1 John, ii. 1, I was forcibly impressed 
with the words, ' If any man sin, we have an advocate 
with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous;' and I 
spoke from them without embarrassment for nearly an 
hour, to my own utter surprise. This was my first 
attempt to preach Christ crucified to my fellow-men. 

" At their earnest request, I agreed to speak for them 
again the next Lord's-day morning. It somehow leaked 
out that Mr. Cone, formerly on the stage, was to preach. 

" When I went to fulfill the appointment, their little 
meeting-house on the Commons, near the Navy Yard, 
was surrounded by an immense crowd, while within it 
was so full that I reached the pulpit steps with difficulty. 



LITE OF SPENCER HOTJGHTON CONE. 139 

This was the greatest trial I ever had as a preacher, in 
view of an audience. When I came in sight of the 
crowd, I was tempted to turn back, and when I rose up 
to commence public worship, Satan assured me that my 
mouth should be stopped if I attempted to preach ; that 
the cause of my precious Saviour would be sadly wound- 
ed ; that I had better say to the people, I was not pre- 
pared to address so large an assembly, and then go home. 
The suggestion was so plausible, I did not think at the 
moment that it came from the great Deceiver, and I 
concluded to give out a hymn, read a chapter, pray, and 
sing again, and then determine how to act. — While sing- 
ing the second hymn, which closed with these words, 

" ' Be tliou my strength and righteousness, 
My Jesus and my all !' 

the worth of souls was presented to my mind with irre- 
sistible force ; I never once thought of the want of words 
to tell the story of the Cross, nor of the crowd of hearers, 
but directed them to Ephesians, ii. 10, ' For we are his 
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, 
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in 
them,' and spoke for an hour with fervor and rapidity. 
Wonderfully did the Lord help me that day ; and I felt it 
to be so easy to preach Jesus, and I was so ready to spend 
and be spent in His service, that I consented to an 
appointment for the next Lord's-day. My third sermon 
was from Malachi, iii. 16, ' Then they that feared the 
Lord spake often one to another ; and the Lord heark- 
ened and heard it,' &c., and He gave me that day a 
soul for my hire, to encourage my heart, and to 
strengthen my hands — blessed be His holy name for ever! 
-Oh, what am I, or what my father's house, that to me 
this grace should be given, ' to preach among the Gen- 
tiles the unsearchable riches of Christ?'" — /Ser. to the 
Young^ 18M. 



140 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 



CHAPTEE IX 



ALEXANDRIA. 



So general was tlie interest his preaching excited, that 
the little church at the Navy Yard was thronged inside 
and out by all classes, and he became so popular that 
shortly after being licensed to preach, he was chosen 
chaplain to the Congress of 1815-16. He was always 
of the opinion that the principal agent in procuring his 
election, by Congress, was Henry Clay, then the leader 
of the Democratic party ; an account lately furnished 
by a gentleman assigns it to humbler influence. A few 
days after his election, Mr. Clay remarked to him that 
the salary of the chaplain was in his opinion entirely too 
small, either for the services performed by the incum- 
bent, or the dignity of the body for whom he officiated, 
and announced his determination to make it his business 
to see members, and have it put upon a proper footing. 
With his customary earnestness in everything he under- 
took, especially whatever was recommended to him by 
a sentiment of personal friendship, he pushed the matter 
through immediately, and the salary of the chaplain was 
raised to five hundred dollars. 

A member of Dr. Armitage's church has kindly 
furnished us with some interesting reminiscences, part 
of which, relating more especially to his chaplaincy, we 
shall quote here in nearly the words of our informant. 

" In 1842, when he was my pastor, he gave me a letter 
of introduction to his own old pastor in Washington, 
D.O., the Eev. Obadiah B. Brown. Brother Brown was 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON" CONE. 141 

formerly assistant Post-maSter General, nnder E. J. 
Meigs, and, being wealthy, preached, without emolu- 
ment, for the chmxh at Washington. I found brother 
Brown, then nearly four-score, venerable and polite. 
He received me very kindly, and, as he had at one 
time lived in the vicinity of New York, we had many 
common topics of agreeable conversation. He gave me 
a sketch of the early history of brother Cone, for whom 
he retained the warmest affection. He told me about 
his baptism ; of his union with the church ; of his giving 
him a letter from the church, and the part he took in his 
ordination. I attended worship in the brick church 
where he was ordained. I went down to the Navv 
Yard to see brother Abel Davis. Old brother Davis 
told me how it was he who had invited the young man 
(Mr. Cone) to lead their prayer-meeting in the little 
Navy Yard church ; what he said that night, when he 
spoke for the first time, and what a blessed and com- 
forting time they had listening to him. The old man 
recollected it all, as if it had been j^esterday. ' Oh. 
yes,' said Mrs. Davis, ' I was down at old Point 
Comfort, and my husband there wrote to me to come 
home directly, for there was a wonderful young man 
come amongst us ; a young man from the Treasury 
Office, who belonged to brother Brown's church. I 
came home, and there — there,' she said, pointing from 
the window, ' there stood the old plank meeting-house, 
where he first spoke, and I heard him first.' 

" A revival of these early scenes produced an amount 
of joy in the hearts of the old couple, no words can do 
justice to. 

" ' Yes,' said the old lady, ' in this very room, where 
we are now sitting, he married the first couple he ever 
married. The bride was my own daughter, now Mrs. 
Church. She is living now at Fort Monroe.' 



14:2 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

" Many interesting details were communicated. One 
or two I particularly remember. 

"In 1815, he was chosen chaplain to Congress, and the 
way it came about was a curious working of Providence. 
A widow woman, w^ho was a member of the little 
church, kept a boarding-house principally frequented 
by members of Congress. She had two sons, about ten 
and twelve years old, and they were pages in the House 
of Representatives. One of the members and his w^ife 
took lodgings with the widow. The member's wife was 
also a devout woman. The widow said to this sister, 
^ Won't you ask your husband to ncmiinate brother 
Cone, as chaplain to the House?' 'Yes, indeed, most 
gladly ;' was the reply. She did so, and at her urgent 
request, and the widow's, he nominated Spencer H. 
Cone. The widow's sons, the two pages, were delighted 
at the nomination, and preparing ballots with Spencer 
H. Cone's name on them, flew around the hall, supplying 
the members with them, and importuning every one to 
vote for him. The zeal of the boys succeeded, and he 
was chosen chaplain. 

" Here he was at once introduced, by the providence 
of God, into a field of great notoriety, and here, as every 
where, he fearlessly proclaimed the Gospel. During 
the session a person, high in rank, was laid on a bed of 
sickness. In his life-time, w^hen strong and healthy, he 
had been an infidel ; but when the fear of death took 
hold upon him, he cried out for the minister of Christ. 
How he died, whether changed or impenitent, I do not 
know, but the young chaplain, soon after his death, 
made a striking allusion to those who live without God 
in the world. When laid upon a death-bed, however, 
and summoned to their account, they dare not meet the 
Judge. Then they call aloud for God's people to sup- 
plicate, in their behalf, the God they had denied. 



LIFE OF SPElSrCER HOUGHTON CONE. 143 

Then they are willing to renounce and abandon the 
refuge of lies in which they once trusted. But the 
hour of mercy has passed, and they die in hopeless, 
terrible despair. This solemn truth he uttered boldly, 
and with striking effect, in the Hall of Representatives. 
Two sons of the deceased great man heard the declara- 
tion, and became highly incensed against the chaplain. 
They said he had reflected upon the virtuous life of 
their father, and thej^ would compel him to apologize 
as publicly as he had insulted his memory. The mem- 
bers of the church, hearing of this, for it was a common 
talk in the city, became very much alarmed, and feared 
for the safety of their beloved brother. The more timid 
met together to consult what was best to be done to 
l^rotect him. Meantime there was a great stir abroad, 
and it was rumored that, on the next Lord's day, the 
chaplain was going to make a public apology. The 
day came, and multitudes thronged the house. The 
young chaplain rose, calm and un^iisturbed — his manner 
as happy and serene as though there had never been 
such a thing whispered, and as if fear were not a part 
of his nature. With his mellifluous voice he read a 
hymn of praise — then, with uplifted hands, poured out 
his heart in prayer. The Lord heard and answered 
with strength and grace. He stood up. Every eye 
was upon him, every ear stretched to hear. He began 
to preach. His voice rose to a pitch of dignity, his 
form dilated, and the stern words of doom, for the 
finally impenitent, went rolling and thundering through 
the house. Triumphantly that day he preached the 
whole plan of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. 
He spoke for more than an hour, but never made any 
direct allusion to the circumstance, nor the shadow of 
an apology. And this was a great day in Washington ; 
for the Lord magnified His Word, and the faith of the 



144 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

cliurch was strengthened. Two ladies, wives of mem- 
bers of Congress, were converted by the instrumentality 
of tliat sermon. 

" No one ever heard any more of an attempt to compel 
Spencer H. Cone to apologize for speaking the truth, 
as God had revealed it in the Bible. On several occa- 
sions, indeed, his life was threatened, and the brethren 
in great fear for him ; but he could never be brought to 
entertain any apprehensions, or turn aside from the 
course of duty, for fear of what man might do unto him. 
A violent Catholic, whose wife he had baptized, went 
about, for a long time, carrying arms and making great 
threats of vengeance, but although he had frequent 
opportunities of executing them, either his heart failed 
him, or Providence interposed some other obstacle, and 
nothing ever came of it." 

At the close of the congressional session, he was 
invited to preach for the little church in Alexandria, 
D. C. "We are indebted to Mrs. Dagg, wife of Dr. J. 
L. Dagg, one of his dear children in the Gospel, for the 
following account of the commencement of his ministry, 
and several interesting incidents connected with it in 
that city. 

"In 1816, Mr. Cone was called to take the charge of 
the Baptist church in Alexandria, under the following 
circumstances. Soon after his chaplaincy to Congress 
closed, he made a visit to that place, and was invited to 
preach in the first Presbyterian church. The pastor of 
this church was an old Scotch divine, who had, for 
many years, lulled his people, by a lifeless ministry, 
into an almost total forgetfulness of their eternal 
interests. 

''Mr. Cone preached from the text, ' Whereas I was 
once blind, now I see.' He showed that, by nature, 
we were totally blind, with no spiritual discernment; 



f 

LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 145 

but that, by the grace of God, the awakened soul was 
brought to be sensible of his blindness, and to see some- 
thing of the holiness and pnrity of God's law, and his 
inability to fulfill its demands. 

" In short it was a searching, practical, and experimen- 
tal sermon, which pierced the hearts of many sinners. 
The movement through the congregation, and, indeed, 
through the whole community, was like electricity. 

•'As an effect of this sermon in the Presbyterian 
church, two or three ladies, members of that church, set 
about devising a plan by which Mr. Cone might be 
settled in Alexandria. At that time the Baptist church 
of the place was very feeble, being composed of twenty 
or thirty females, and one male member, with no settled 
pastor or stated preaching. These ladies set out to find 
the church. They sought for the male member, but he 
had removed from the town. They found some of the 
old sisters; expressed their desire, and promised, on 
condition that Mr. Cone should be called to the charge 
of the church, that they would guarantee his salary. 

" A letter of invitation was written. Mr. Cone prayed 
over it; and the result was his acceptance of the call^ 
and the removal of his family, which consisted of his 
wife and infant son, Edward. 

" Here the record of God's dealing with men, by his 
instrumentality, commenced; and here commenced a 
chain of labor, a link of which was not broken until the 
golden bowl itself was broken at the fountain. 

" He entered on his course, in that city, with deep 
interest. He saw that a mighty work was to be done, 
and that the Lord had much people in that city. His 
arms were not folded in sluggish inactivity and despon- 
dency, in view of the magnitude of the social and moral 
evil which surrounded him on every side. But he 
toiled hopefully, patiently, and ardently, in his work, 

7 



146 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

and great success followed. The house was enlarged, 
and crowds attended his ministry: and crowds were 
converted by his instrumentality. Many who came to 
deride and scoff, left crying for mercy. Among the 
converts were persons in every class and rank of society ; 
the pharisee, the deist, the formal professor, the distin- 
guished citizen, and the immoral and degraded charac- 
ter. 

'^He labored there about seven years; and almost 
every month during the whole of this time, he led the 
willing convert to the Potomac for baptism. Thousands 
would attend this ordinance ; even when, as often hap- 
pened during a severe winter, the ice had to be broken 
for the purpose, they would gather aroimd the opening 
made for baptism, until, by their weight, the whole sheet 
would be immersed. At first the novelty attracted 
attention, and the subsequent frequency of the adminis- 
tration, with his impressive addresses at the water-side, 
and his graceful performance of the rite, added much to 
the notoriety of his ministry. But this was not without 
opposition. He was an object of ridicule and scoff to 
many ; so much so, indeed, that at times his friends con- 
sidered him in imminent danger of assault. But his 
faith undaunted faced his foes, the enemies of God, and 
the gainsaying world, with an humble reliance on the 
Saviour who said — ' Lo ! I am with you alway, even 
unto the end of the world.' 

" Mr. Cone's high social qualities, and courteous man- 
ner, drew around him a large circle of admiring friends 
and led him to visit the people of his charge with 
unrestrained freedom. He would enter into their joys 
and sorrows with that sympathy which made his visits 
not only welcome, but looked for with strong desire. 
These visits were not confined to the more intelligent or 
opulent of his church. The African and the poor widow, 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOlSr CONE. 14:7 

as she toiled at her daily work, for the support of her 
fatherless little ones, were comforted and instructed by 
them. 

" His theme, at such times, was not matters of State, or 
trade, or agriculture, or the weather ; but he was accus- 
tomed to introduce such inquiries as these ; What have 
been your daily exercises the past week? Does the 
love of Christ dwell in you richly ; or are you crying — 
oh, my leanness, my leanness ? 

" Is the road a thorny one, and your progress in sancti- 
fication difficult ? 

" Cannot you trust that grace which brought you into 
the way, and began the good work? 

" By such inquiries as these, he would learn the spiritual 
state of his members, and would administer such coun- 
sels and encouragements as their cases required. 

" Often, in these visits, with a countenance beaming 
with heavenly radiance and holy joy, he would relate 
the exercises he had heard from some poor contrite sin- 
ner, or from the warm gushing of some heart grateful 
for an assurance of redeeming love. One case is 
impressed on my memory. It was the tale of an old 
slave belonging to a Maryland planter. He had never 
known God or Christ, until one day the inspector came 
to inspect their tobacco. He examined one hogshead 
and condemned it ; another, and it was marked as good. 
Another and another passed his inspection with varying 
results. While the old African looked on, the judgment 
day, with all its tremendous realities, passed before his 
mind — the day when all, both good and bad, shall stand 
before the Great Inspector. From these first impres- 
sions, the Holy Spirit led this old African to the foot of 
the Cross. After he had found peace and joy in 
believing, he applied to Mr. Cone for baptism, and told 
the artless tale of his experience. 



14:8 THE LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

^' While the impression of tliis simple narrative was still 
fresh upon his heart, Mr. C. visited om* family, and 
repeated the story with streaming eyes, concluding with 
the exclamation — Oh, the free grace of God ! May I 
never want a tongue to proclaim it to sinners, or a heart 
to feel its influence." 

" Such were the methods which this man of God adopted 
to render his pastoral visits useful to the people of his 
charge. Thus was the communion of saints maintained 
and the fellowship of believers kept up, by the social 
interchange of pious thought and feeling. Mr. C. felt, 
that unimproved intercourse among Christians is the 
bane of the church. He felt, too, the preciousness of 
the fellowship of saints, and sought every means to keep 
alive a coal in his own bosom, that he might enkindle it 
in others. He taught that they who feared the Lord, 
spake often one to another, and grace, like fire, will beget 
grace ; so, by the mutual giving and receiving, the 
brotherhood were strengthened, united, and advanced 
in knowledge and holiness. 

" One instance of conversion through his instru- 
mentality may be selected out of many. 

" A young member of the Bar from Washington City, 
came on a visit to Alexandria. He called to spend the 
evening with two young ladies, with whom he had been 
previously acquainted. They proposed, as it was Mr. 
C.'s lecture evening, to attend, inviting their young 
friend to accompany them. Gallantry, as well as 
courtesy, demanded a cheerful acquiescence, though 
he would have preferred his hotel, as he had been 
indulging in too much wine. But he resolved what 
to do. As sleep would be grateful, he determined to 
place himself in some obscure corner, where he might 
indulge in a nap, unobserved and uninterrupted. He 
did. so. The introductory hymn and prayer passed 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 149 

nnlieard. The lecture, on that evening, was from the 
twenty-third Psalm : ' The Lord is my shepherd, I 
shall not want.' This young lawyer was first arrested 
by the preacher's voice and manner, and then by the 
subject. He went, step by step, with the speaker until 
he felt he was a poor, lost, condemned criminal. He 
did not return to Washington the next morning, as he 
had intended. So deep, puugent, and sincere was his 
repentance for sin, that he -presented himself to Mr. C, 
although an entire stranger, and told his story. He 
proved to be a trophy of sovereign grace. Mr. C. made 
every domestic claim subordinate to this interest- 
ing case. He invited him to his home; prayed with 
him daily ; often placed his arm in his, and made his 
pastoral calls or social visits ; recommended the reading 
of such works as were suited to him, and watched over 
his spiritual growth, as he that watcheth for souls. 
Conversion from sin to holiness was the* result ; and a 
consecration of himself to the work of the ministry. 
His initiation into the sacred office was under the 
guidance of his Spiritual Father, who rejoiced over him 
as a son in the Gospel. 

" These two cases of conversion, which have been 
narrated, are from the extreme ranks of society. Others 
from intermediate classes might be told. Whole families 
were brou.ght into the fellowship of the church. One, 
consisting of ten members, three of whom had passed 
their three score years, was of the number. Five of 
them, after having lived a life of faith, holiness and use- 
fulness, have been translated to. the church triumphant, 
and the remaining five, of whom the writer is one, have 
survived their Spiritual Father, and are cherishing the 
bope of meeting bim in glory, and uniting with him in 
singing the song which none but the redeemed can sing!" 

Early in his ministry in Alexandria, he writes to his 



150 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

mother, "Duties and trials increase with years; but 
experience has proved that there is a Friend that sticketh 
closer than a brother, a Friend whose grace has hitherto 
been, and I doubt not will ever continue to be, sufficient 
for me. The Lord has wonderfully upheld me in the 
work of the ministry, and I may truly say, He hath 
done for me and by me exceeding abundantly above all 
that I could ask or think. About ninety souls have 
been added to the church in Alexandria, since my call 
to take charge of it, and the glorious work is still 
carrying on. Three or four, not yet baptized, have 
been introduced into the liberty of the children of God ; 
several are anxiously inquiring the way of life and 
salvation, and the hearts of the brethren appear to be 
knit together in the bonds of Gospel love. And yet, oh ! 
is it not astonishing? and yet, want of engagedness in 
the cause and service of Christ— backwardness in duty 
' — distracted and wandering thoughts — coldness and 
deadness in private devotion — want of zealous and 
animated affection towards God, and his dear children, 
like leprous spots still cleave to me. Every day's ex- 
perience convinces me, yet more and more, that, if 
saved at all, 1 must be a sinner saved by grace. Grace 
alone, free, sovereign and resistless, as that which 
rescued the dying thief, can reach my case, and present 
a good hope of everlasting life to one who deserves to be 
a firebrand of hell. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth 
from all sin. Oh, my dear mother, what a precious 
truth ! "Well, may the apostle say, ' It speaketh better 
things than the blood of Abel.' One calls down 
vengeance on the murderer's guilty head ; the other 
cleanses the conscience from dead works, and speaks 
peace and pardon to the chief of sinners. The blood of 
Abel cried aloud to God — Condemn ! The blood of 
Jesus cannot flow in vain. With a yet louder voice it 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 151 

cries, in behalf of all his children ? Father forgive them, 
for I have died. Pray for me. I hope we shall see 
each other yet once more in the flesh. If not — I trust 
me shall meet in a much better world, never to part 
again ? " 

In the same strain he addresses his sister Catharine, 
the loveliness of whose person was a happy index of the 
superior graces of her mind. 

" I do think, my dear sister, if of my own wicke'd and 
deceitful heart I know anything, that I can sincerely 
unite with you in the prayer that ' I may ever be kept 
at the foot of the Cross.' So much pride^ when the Lord 
is graciously pleased to work by me, in the comforting 
and conversion of precious souls ; so much self-sufficiency^ 
when a door of utterance is opened for me to preach the 
unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ ; so much uribelief^ 
when only trifling difficulties present themselves in the 
path of duty ; so much coldness^ formality, and wander- 
ing of thought — that I am constrained to cry out, oh ! 
wretched man that I am ! Draw me to Thy feet, dear 
Saviour! Lay me low, and keep me there !" 

"What an unspeakable joy that where sin abounded, 
grace did much more abound. God deals not with us 
according to our desert, but according to the riches of 
His mercy and goodness treasured up in a dear Imma- 
nuel. "Words are poor, and language vain to tell the 
debt of gratitude and love we owe to Him — ' Who hath 
begotten us again, unto a lively hope, by the resurrec- 
tion of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance, 
incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, 
reserved in heaven, for children who are kept by the 
power of God, through faith, unto the salvation ready 
to be revealed in the last time.' 

" Meditate upon these heaven-born words. Have you 
this hope ? To help you a little, if the Lord will, take 



152 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

notice that the children's hope is lively — because it 
springs from spiritual life — because, though ever so 
much beclouded it never entirely dies, and because it 
enlivens and animates the soldier of the Cross in every 
battle trial! It is the hope of an inheritance — not a 
reward of merit. That hope is strengthened because 
the inheritance is ' reserved,'^ It cannot be squandered 
by faithless guardians — and it is made stronger still, 
because we can't die tninors — for we are ' Itejpt ' by the 
power of God, and shall be led into the mansions of 
salvation, which are all ^ ready '^ for them that love 
God — that are the called according to his purpose. The 
Lord bless you. Amen !" 

No doubt every true child of God watches and prays 
continually against spiritual pride, as the prolific parent 
of every spiritual vice, and desires to be clothed in the 
humility of little children, and so possess their souls as 
ever kneeling at their Master's feet, confessing all their 
need, and weeping all their sin. In him of whom we 
write, this holy temper and spirit of the mind was, all 
his Christian life, a marked characteristic. It had its 
effect often very plainly on his oratory. When carried 
away by his subject, and rising to the loftiest heights, 
or whirled along by the power of his imagination, and 
pouring out a stream of impetuous declamation, which 
burned and glittered like molten gold — something 
would seem to flash across his mind. His hand would 
steal to his heart, as if a pain checked him — and tender 
and humble tones of love, pleading before the throne of 
grace for sinners — not sinners vile as some great crimi- 
nals, whose name the historic page blushed and shud- 
dered to record — but sinners vile as himself^ went up 
to heaven with all the holy fervor of conviction in their 
utterance. You could not fail to see the thought which 
checked him, and struck his heart like a sharp agony, 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOTJGHTON COITE. 153 

translate itself upon his face. Every feature spoke it, 
and said — Have not words carried me away ; and the 
passion of mere human eloquence led to the verge of 
pride in the display of human powers. Grod be merci- 
ful to me a sinner. " Bring me to the foot of the cross. 
Oh Saviour. Lay me low and keep me there." 

It was a beautiful trait in his character, and one 
springing necessarily from the grace of humility, that 
he was without envv. He was never heard at home, 
and we think no one remembers him, abroad, indulging 
in ill- speaking of any living creature. Those who gave 
him most trouble in his public life, and sowed most 
thorns for him, were prayed for in private at the family 
altar, and rarely mentioned at any other time ; but if 
spoken of — always without passion. Of preachers he 
never said a hard word. Indeed he could never be got 
to criticise anything but their doctrine, by any feint or 
question. If he heard one preach what he did not 
believe to be the Gospel, then, indeed, he applied the 
Apostle's words wdth unrestrained severity, and^ asserted 
that, " if an angel from Heaven " preached anything 
but the Gospel he should be accursed. But for their 
manner of delivery, or of handling a subject, their style 
of sermonizing, or any mental or personal defects, he 
could never be driven to speak disparagingly. Often 
at home, we, being young and hard to please, as well as 
careless of what we said, would play the satirist, and 
be very smart at the expense of some good brother, 
whom we had lately heard- He would never stop to 
hear us out, but walk away, shaking his head, and say- 
ing — " Oh boys, boys, I hope you may, either of you, 
ever do half as well. The dear brother said a great 
many good things. I wish you had listened to tJiosey 

He seemed in fact, to have but one feeling with 
regard to his fellow preachers, and that was — that they 



154 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

were engaged in one cause, a cause so mighty and mag- 
nificent as to dwarf out of sight all human vanity. His 
natural disposition too, and the sentiment of the heroic 
which pervaded all his nature, made the success and 
ability of all who fought under the banner of the Cross 
a subject of enthusiastic delight ; oftentimes his exhibi- 
tion of the pleasure he experienced, in their well doing, 
was almost childlike in its simplicity. He would bend 
forward, and watch them as they spoke, whilst his face, 
like a glass, reflected every changing expression and 
feeling of their own. It was the only way in which his 
extraordinary powers of mimickry were ever displayed, 
in his Christian life ; and these acted without his will — 
a happy mimickry in which the mobile face obeyed the 
prompting of the heart, and translated, in its varying 
expression, his kindly sympathy with the speaker. 
We cannot help dwelling for a moment on the charac- 
teristic, since it had undoubtedly a great deal to do in 
attaching the younger ministers of the Gospel to him. 
They felt as if a father were beside them, as anxious as 
themselves that their public efforts should be worthy 
of their own talents, and above all, worthy of the cause 
in which ihej were exerted. 

In ilhistration of that part of his history which 
is connected with his labors in Alexandria, we further 
quote the reminiscences which have been spoken of as 
famished by a member of Dr. Armitage's church. 
'' In June, 1816," he says, " I left the city of New York 
for a tour in the South, and made a visit to my uncle, 
"William Carman of Baltimore. On leaving Baltimore, 
he gave me a letter of introduction to the Rev. John 
Paradise, pastor of the Baptist church in Alexandria. 
When I reached Alexandria, however, I learned that 
Mr. Paradise, having fallen into ill health, had resigned 
the pastoral charge of the church there, and removed 



LIFE OF SPEJSrCER HOUGHTOJST CONE. 155 

to Maryland, and tliat Spencer H. Cone liad been 
chosen pastor of the church in his stead. The first 
Lord's-day I spent in Alexandria the church was closed. 
I understood that it had been found too small to accom- 
modate the congregation, and was being enlarged and 
repaired. I attended public worship, part of that day, 
with a young Methodist friend, a devout and godly 
person. Meeting some Baptist friends, however, I 
learned that Spencer H. Cone was going to baptize 
some three or four persons in the Potomac, near the 
city. I found the place, and there I saw assembled an 
interesting group, and amongst them the new pastor. 
After a solemn prayer he descended into the water. 
He immersed the women first, and then the man. 
The latter was a man of middle age, and was, at that 
time, cashier of the Bank of Alexandria. 

" The place where the ceremony was performed, 
bordered on a field, the fence of which ran along, not 
far from the edge of the water. Among the spectators 
were some idle young men who had come out of 
curiosity, to see the player turned preacher. During 
the administration of the ordinance, these young fellows 
behaved in a very offensive and unbecoming manner, 
so much so as to be observed not only by the specta- 
tors present, but also by the administrator himself. 

" When the last person, the cashier, had been baptized, 
one of the deacons took charge of him, and led him up 
out of the water. Whilst Mr. Cone remained midway 
in the water, he lifted up his hand, and, standing in 
exactly the attitude in which he is represented in the 
full-length portrait, now in the possession of his children, 
fixed his eyes upon the disturbers, and began to rebuke 
them in the most solemn manner. I have never heard 
a more scathing rebuke, or one delivered with such 
terrific earnestness, and intensity of manner. The devout 



156 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

spectators, as they listened, felt as if God, in very truth, 
was there, manifesting, by the lips of His servant. His 
hatred of sin, whilst the poor deluded young men slunk 
away as well as they could, and got off by leaping the 
fence. Oh, what a solemn sight it was to me. It was 
mingled with joy and sorrow. Joy for the triumph of 
truth ; sorrow for those ignorant and wicked men. Time 
has never effaced the vivid picture. There stood a young 
man, the fresh bloom upon his cheek, his heart so full 
of love and holy zeal, with uplifted hand, and voice 
clear and sonorous as a silver trumpet, rebuking, in 
the name of the Lord of Hosts, the despisers who wander 
and perish ! 

" This was the first time I ever saw Mr. Cone. 

" I was, shortly after, informed, by a member of the 
church, that the wife of the cashier had some time before 
been baptized by Mr. Cone, and had united with the 
church. Her husband had vehemently opposed it, and 
was greatly incensed at her course. For some time he 
refused to accompany her to the house of God. The 
asperity of his feeling, however, gradually softened, and 
he yielded to her persuasion, and went with her. The 
preacher rose, and in his peculiarly clear and searching 
voice announced his text, ' And ITathan said unto 
David thou art the man !" His eye was upon the 
cashier, his finger seemed to find him out, amongst all 
the audience, and fasten the text, with all its terrible 
meaning, upon him alone. The words were like an 
arrow guided by the Spirit. It entered his heart. It 
slew him. His conscience was pricked. His sins rose 
up in condemnation against him. He remembered, 
with keen regret, his opposition to his wife. The word 
of the Lord had found him out. After service he retired, 
not to scoff but to pray, and cry, 'Men and brethren, 
what must I do to be saved ?" Very soon afterwards he 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 157 

came before the churcli, and related to them the story 
of his conversion. 

" In the afternoon of the same day, I was present when 
the hand of fellowship was given to the new members, 
and the bread broken. The remarks of Mr. Cone were 
so striking, that I can see him still as he stood there 
beside the table of the Lord. 

" As he broke the bread of life he followed, with 
touching tenderness, the analogy between the bread 
which perishes, and the bread of eternal life. The 
plowing of the earth ; the seed sown in good ground, 
and springing up to yield an hundred fold. The blade ; 
the ear ; the corn fully ripe. Then cut down ; threshed ; 
winnowed, all the chaif blown away; ground; finally 
prepared for bread, leavened, put into the oven ; broken 
and eaten. The staff of life. This is the bread of men. 
For the bread of heaven, go to the Lord Jesus. They 
plowed His back. With cruel hands, wicked men 
made deep their furrows. He, the seed of eternal life, 
w^as sown in the earth. He grew in stature and in 
favor ; a plant of God's own right hand's planting. * For 
the bread of God is He which cometh down from 
Heaven, and giveth life unto the world.' Jesus is the 
bread of life. He that cometh unto him shall never 
hunger. He was cut down ; He was crucified and slain. 
He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised 
for our iniquities ; the chastisement of our peace was 
upon Him ; and with his stripes we are healed. He was 
tempted of Satan, and found perfect. He endured the 
fierceness of the Father's wrath, as the substitute for His 
people. He was the bread prepared by the Father. 
^ I am the living bread which came down from Heaven. 
If any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever ; and 
the bread that I will give is my flesh ; which I will give 
for the life of the world.' 'Whoso eateth my flesh, 



158 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

and clrinketh my blood, liatli eternal life; and I will 
raise him up at the last day.' And the bread of life 
was broken. We see Him in the garden of Olivet ' that 
dear honored spot.' Behold His agony, when He sweat 
as it were great drops of blood ! Behold Him nailed to 
the accursed tree. His Father hides His face from Him ; 
and He who was the brightness of the Father's glory, and 
the express image of His person ; He, the God, Man, 
Mediator ; cries aloud. ' My God, my God, why hast Thou 
forsaken me V 

" 'Twas on that dark, that doleful-night, 
When powers of earth and hell arose 
Against the Son of God's delight, 
And friend's betrayed Him to His foes ! 

" Before the mournful scene began, 
He took the bread, and blest, and brake : 
"What love thro' all His actions ran ! 
What wondrous words of grace He spake ! 

" ' This is my body, broke for sin, 
Eeceive, and eat the living food ;' 
Then took the cup and blest the wine, 
' 'Tis the new cov'nant in my blood.' 

" And this feast was spread for you. • Eat oh, friends ! 
drink, oh beloved !" 

" Such is a feeble sketch of the tender and glowing elo- 
quence of love, with which he enforced the glorious sig- 
nificance of the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, as he 
broke the bread and filled the cup in obedience to the 
Saviour's divine commission. In how many hearts will 
it not awaken the memory of an hundred such holy 
seasons ; and bring before their mind's eye, that form 
which realized the exclamation of Isaiah — 'How beau- 
tiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bring- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 159 

eth. good tidings, tliat pnblishetli peace ; that bringetli 
good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation ; that 
saith unto Zion — ^Thy God reigneth !' 

" It was a solemn, a momentous time. My heart was 
melted, and I rejoiced that such a privilege was afforded 
me. We sang a hymn, and went out. 

"The next Lord's-day, with quickened step and joyful 
heart, I repaired to the house of God, and again listened 
with profit and delight. For nearly four months I sat 
under his preaching. I took a place in the choir, and 
became well acquainted with several of the members of 
the church. Many colored persons belonged to the 
church, and the house was always full. It was a plain 
building, and the audience a very attentive one. His 
preaching was greatly blessed to the church, and many 
precious souls were added to it. It was truly evangeli- 
cal preaching, and at once bold and lucid. He loved 
particularly to dwell upon the Lord Jesus in his offices 
and work, as Prophet, Priest, King ; the Advocate with 
the Father, &c. The sovereignty of God, in the gospel 
plan of salvation by the imputed righteousness of 
Christ, was also a constant theme, and developed with 
all the force of a close and powerful reasoning, and the 
fire of a surprising eloquence. 

'' I was informed that whilst he was preaching at the 
little church, near the Navy Yard in Washington, he 
occasionally went to Alexandria to preach for the desti- 
tute little church there, and that as the church was una- 
ble to offer him a support, the inhabitants of Alexandria 
generally combined, and secured the payment of a salary 
sufficient to support his family, on condition that the 
church called him to its charge." 

The manner in which this was done, we have already 
related. 

" Having finished my business in Alexandria," says 



160 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON GONE. 

our informant, " I left some time early in the month of 
November. Before leaving, however, I determined to 
make myself known to the pastor. At the close of the 
service on one of the week evening meetings I did so. 
I remember that he preached that night from the text — 
' Oh God, my heart is fixed.' 

" I took a vessel, to come round by sea, and it was 
twenty-one days, the winds being contrary, before I 
reached New York. 

" Late in the month of November, and towards the 
evening of the day, as I was walking np Pearl street, I 
spied the young preacher on the opposite side of the 
way, walking quickly, and carrying his own portmanteau. 
I ran over, and accosted him. He did not, at first, 
recognize me. I said to him — '' Do you not recognize 
the young man who introduced himself to you on the 
evening you preached from such a text in Alexandria V 
He immediately recollected me, and gave me a warm 
reception, saying — •' I have just arrived in the city. I 
have come to visit some of the churches, and ask 
them to give me a collection for the little church at 
Alexandria. I have a letter to Deacon Garniss of the 
Oliver street church. 

" I off'ered to accompany him, and show him the way 
to the Deacon's house. We reached the house, which 
stood at the corner of Roosevelt and Chatham streets, and 
after introducing them to each other, and spending some 
time in conversion with them I left him the guest of the 
Deacon. 

" On the next Lord's-day he preached in the Oliver 
street meeting-house, and it is impossible for me to 
describe the sensation he produced. His style, his mat- 
ter, his manner were so unlike what the people were 
accustomed to, that after the sermon all were in aston- 
ishment. I remember in particular that Dr. Mackin- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 161 

tosh, referring to what I had written of him from Alex- 
andria, exclaimed, ' Howbeit I believed not the words, 
until I came, and mine eyes had seen, and mine ears 
heard — yet, behold ! the half was not told me.' 

" This visit to New York, and his preaching, made a 
profound impression upon hundreds, and many of them 
are still alive who can testify to it. I do not know the 
fact, but I venture to say he gained his object, and 
entirely relieved the little church in Alexandria from its 
pecuniary embarrassments. 

''From that time until he removed to New York in 
1823, I think I never heard him preach but on one 
occasion, and that was for the church in Newark, New 
Jersey, of which the late Dr. Daniel Sharp of Boston, 
was, at that time, the pastor." 

A remarkable testimony to the character, and success 
of his preaching at that time is afforded by the celebrated 
Dr. Staughton of Philadelphia, himself one of the most 
learned, evangelical, and eloquent preachers ever con- 
nected with the denomination. 

It is contained in an extract from one of his letters 
published in the Christian Herald, volume 4th, p. 239 — 
a paper printed at Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1817. 

" I will state," says the Doctor, " a circumstance that 
will give you much pleasure. A young man of the 
name of Spencer Cone, has been for some years past on 
the Philadelphia stage. His talents as an actor were, 
considerable. About eighteen month ago the Lord 
taught him he was a sinner, and constrained his flight to 
the arms of Jesus. He now resides at Washington 
city, and is connected with the Treasury Department. 
Two or three months ago he was called, by the Baptist 
church in Washington, to the exercise of his talents for 
the ministry. He has been approved, and is now a 
faithful, eloquent, and persuasive preacher of the Cross. 



162 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Two weeks ago he paid Philadelphia a visit. He 
preached twice in our house of worship, to . the largest 
assemblies I ever saw ; certainly from three to four 
thousand five hundred were present. He has had a 
liberal education, his views are highly evangelical, and 
his ability for holding an assembly in fixed attention 
astonishing. Hundreds who -had seen him in the 
theatre crowded to see him in the pulpit. His first 
sermon was on the worth of the soul ; his second on 
the Character of Christ. I cannot describe my feelings 
when, on his first rising, he began with the hymn : — 

'' ' The wondering world inquires to know, 
"Why I should love my Jesus so V 

"I have heard of several young persons who are 
exhibiting signs of a hopeful conversion ; among these 
six young persons were boarding in our family, and 
one of these a John May. The Lord preserve our 
young brother a burning light." 

Happy child of prayer, from the cradle to the grave, 
His angels, who are flames of fire sent to minister to 
them that shall be heirs of salvation, were ever given 
charge over him, and tlie answer to the prayers of the 
saints was audibly uttered in the daily life of their 
object. 

About a week after his death, the following interest- 
ing particulars were given to us, one evening, by the 
gentleman alluded to by Dr. Staughton — Mr. John May, 
for many years past a resident of New York. We were 
not then aware of the existence of the letter quoted 
above. It is a coincidence which lends a valuable 
addition to the Doctor's testimonj^, that Mr. May imme- 
diately described to us the same scene, a scene never 
forgotten, and which the deatli of Mr. Cone had brought 




LIFE OF SPENCER HOFGHTON CONE. 163 

up before him, with all tlie vividness of the moment 
when it transpired. " I was a little late," said he, "and 
the church in Sansom street, which you know is of 
great size, was crowded to suffocation. I went up into 
the gallery. At that time I was a very young man. 
To obtain a sight of the preacher, I got up upon a bench, 
and looked over the people's heads. Just as I had 
secured my position, which was no very easy matter, 
Mr. Cone rose. Stepping into the middle of the pulpit 
he uttered the first two lines of the hymn. ' The 
wondering world inquires to know,' &c. I never 
heard anything like it. It was not loud. There was 
no effort at delivery, but every syllable came clear 
through the house, and seemed, as it were, to strike and 
rebound from the galleries and wall behind me. In an 
instant, crowded and uncomfortable as the audience 
were, a stillness like the hush of death fell upon the 
house. Ton might have heard a pin drop. It seemed 
as if there never had been such a voice heard before. 
Above all, it struck every one, who heard him, that it 
was such a happy answer to the ten thousand wonderers 
in PhiladeljDhia, who had been asking that very ques- 
tion — Why should he, who led, not long since, such a 
different life here, and loved the world supremely, all 
at once pretend to love nothing but religion ? 

" ' What are his charms, say they, ahove 
The objects of a mortal love.' 

The rest of that fine hymn of Watts', and the manner 
with which it was given, answered every question." 

It would scarcely have been astonishing if a young 
man to whom was thus offered, without measure, the 
incense of public admiration ; the applause of breathless 
crowds; the homage of so many weeping eyes, and 



164 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

throbbing hearts— applause and homage the more 
subtle and flattering to human pride for its silent 
intensity — if he had yielded to its insidious charm and 
become vain and self reliant. The triumphs of the 
orator expose him almost naked and defenceless to 
such foes. He reads his own power in the upturned 
wondering eyes that gaze on him, that catch the flame 
of every passion from his own, and weep or sparkle at 
his will. He stands above the crowd, an enchanter 
whose magic makes a thousand hearts his imresisting 
captives. The air that clasps him is laden with a fatal 
incense, which at once excites the natural man to the 
highest exercise of his powers, and lulls the spiritual 
into a dangerous slumber. The multitude is before, 
around, on every side of him — rich and poor, the mighty 
and the mean, confounded, for the hour, into a common 
mass by the ascendency of his genius — and he — he 
binds them spell-bound, helpless in its fetters. The 
cynosure of every eye — the thought of every heart — 
the master, touching all to what fine issue he shall 
please ; the conqueror standing erect, triumphant on 
the field of thought, and girt with willing captives I 
what more dangerous place; what keener test for 
youth ? What can keep him from pride, or from ambi- 
tion? The Master who inspires; the message he pro- 
claims. They keep him; and he shall be kept. 

We enter into his private thoughts; we find him 
alone after the lights are all out, the crowd all gone ; 
the excitement done; and we find that it was a holy 
excitement, the exaltation of a spirit too full of love to 
God, to debase itself to pride of human things ; the 
combat, not of the forensic Gladiator, but the soldier of 
the Cross. We find him at the very commencement of 
his successful career, retiring from his public duties, 
and stealing a moment to pour his heart out to his 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 165 

mother, and exclaim : "I thank my God for such a 
mother, and have only cause to regret that your example 
and precepts have not had their proper influence upon 
my life. Let me not want your prayers ; but daily 
remember your poor boy, whose lot it is to be placed 
on Zion's walls, where the fiery darts of the adversaries 
fly thick around him, and, like Jacob, wrestle with the 
angel of the covenant : 

" ' That David's God, and Gideon's friend, 
May be Ms keeper to the end !' 

^'Oh ! how I rejoice to know, that Hhere is another 
and a better world,' a world ' where the wicked cease 
from troubling, and where the weary are at rest.' Most 
feelingly can I say with Job, ' I would not live always.' 
The land in which we now live is a desert ; it is a 
strange land and we are but sojourners and pilgrims, 
travelling to the Heavenly Canaan where our posses- 
sions lie. The Lord, I hope, daily cheers your heart, 
and comforts you with bright prospects of ere long 
enjoying that inheritance which is incorruptible, un- 
defiled, and that fadetli not away. 

" This morning I preached from Eomans viii. 2, and 
rejoiced to know that 'The Spirit of life in Christ 
Jesus, hath made me free from the law of sin and 
death.' This evening closes the preaching year, and I pro- 
pose addressing my fellow men, from Jer. viii. 20 : ' The 
harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not 
saved.' May my dear unconverted sisters lay it to 
heart, and obtain comfort from the assurance that 
' there is balm in Gilead, and a great Physician there.' 

" I am making arrangements to leave home in two or 
three days, on a preaching tour in the State of Virginia, 
and, as I do not calculate to return before the middle of 
next month, it will be the part of filial duty, and affec- 



166 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

tion, to one most truly beloved to devote an epistolary 
hour. 

"It was, no doubt, a source of unspeakable joy to a 
fond mother's heart, when God made her son a Christian ; 
and that joy was perhaps much increased, when the 
Great Head of the Church called him to labor in His 
vineyard. Oh ! the depth of the riches both of the 
wisdom and knowledge of God ! How unsearchable are 
His judgments, and His ways past finding out! 

" Faithful memory oft brings in painful review before 
me the days that are past; the balls, plays, card parties, 
&c., with which those days were swallowed up ; and, 
then, I am lost in astonishment at the patience, the 
forbearance, the boundless goodness of my God ! And 
yet to me, who am less than the least of all saints, is 
this grace given, that I should preach among the gentiles 
the unsearchable riches of Christ. Oh, for strength from 
above, that I may, to the end, speak the truth in love ; 
and labor zealously, faithfully, and continually to win 
precious souls to Jesus. I am ashamed of my backward- 
ness and slothfulness. Lord quicken thou me according 
to thy word. 

" What pleasure it would afford me to hear from you ; 
that you are growing in grace, and in the knowledge of 
a once crucified but now exalted Jesus ! How is it 
witli you, dear mother? Do you enjoy the presence of 
Him who dwelt in the bush ? Do you walk in the light 
of His countenance all the day long 'i Does He lead you 
beside the still waters of consolation, and make you to 
lie down in the green pastures of His love ? I hope this 
is your experience, and that the Lord is indeed making 
your last days your best and most comfortable ones. 
But it may be that you are sad to-day. What then ? 
Lift up the hands that hang down, and the feeble 
knees. Art thou afiiicted ? Behold I leave in the 



I 



LIFE OF SPEXCER HOirGHTO:^' CO^iTE. 167 



midst of you a poor, and an afflicted people, and they 
shall tfust in me. Many are the afflictions of the 
righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. 
Whom ^^lovethH^^ chasteneth, andscourgeth every son 
whom He receiveth. Lest you be wearied and faint in 
your mind, look to Jesus, and consider Him, who for 
the joy that was set before Him, endured the Cross, and 
despised the shame, and is set down at the right hand 
of the throne of God. Are not sin, Satan, the world 
and the flesh your enemies ? Then, Jesus and his people 
are your friends ; their father is your Father, and their 
home shall be your home. Why art thou cast down, 
oh my soul ; and why art thou disquieted within me ? 
Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him who is the 
health of my countenance and my God. Rejoice not 
against me, oh mine enemy ; though 1 fall yet shall I rise 
again ; for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel. 
lie hath said, I will be to them a God, and they shall be 
to me a people ; I will put my laws into their mind, and 
write them upon their hearts ; I will be merciful to 
their unrighteousness, and their sins and iniquities will 
I remember no more ! I will never leave them nor 
forsake them ! It is enough. Thy testimonies have I 
taken for an heritage for ever, for they are the rejoicing 
of my heart. Return unto thy rest then, oh my soul — 
for we wTio helieve^ do enter into rest — even that rest 
which remaineth for the dear children of God. May 
you. be enabled to adopt the language of the sweet 
singer of Israel, and in the strong and unwavering 
confidence of faith, say with him, 'The Lord is my 
Shepherd, I shall not want.' 

"- Our town has been remarkably healthy this season. 
I feel as hearty as I have for a year past. I have been 
strengthened to ride and preach a good deal in the 



168 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON" CONE. 

country during the summer, and expect to be similarly 
occupied the greater part of the ensuing two months." 

The last sentence affords a glimpse of the life of a 
Baptist preacher in the South. The inhabitants of the 
great cities have little idea of the life they lead. It has 
indeed very little in common with city life. The road 
from the parsonage to the meeting-house is not quite so 
short or easy. The preacher, in the South, lives quite 
as 'much in the saddle as the study. The churches are 
widely scattered, and many of them destitute. During | 
the seven years he had the charge of the church in 
Alexandria, Spencer H. Cone, like all Yirginia Baptist 
preachers, combined the characters of pastor and mis- 
sionary. It was no doubt from experience of the 
necessities and destitute condition of large portions 
of the country, acquired during that time, that he 
imbibed the spirit of missions ; and, especially, laid the 
foundation of that strong desire for the support and 
extension of Home Missions which he always mani- 
fested. 

Mounted upon his horse, his saddle-bags behind 
him, containing his little kit, the young preacher often 
during each year set out from Alexandria, to keep a 
round of ''appo'ntments." Months, perhaps, before he 
comes to any particular station, in the back country, his 
coming is noised abroad over all the neighborhood round 
about, and, w^ith very few exceptions, the inhabitants 
prepare to meet at the appointed place, and enjoy the 
privilege of listening to the Word of the Lord, a privilege 
enhanced and endeared to the serious portion of them by 
its rarity. 

Our Southern Baptist churches lie widely scattered, 
and whilst some of the flock are feeding on the slopes 
of the blue ridge of the Alleghany, others are gathered 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTOK CO:n:E. 169 

in tlie valleys and by the rivers; and so the under 
she23herd goes out with his staff and crook to comfort 
and establish on every side, and unite in the spirit of a 
common faith, those whom the necessities of life separate 
and disperse so widely. 

Sometimes, several preachers will agree to meet at 
one point. Then the news is published, and a " Meeting 
of Days " is held, usually, in the open air ; and great 
concourses of people, often as many as four or five 
thousand, come together, from the surrounding country, 
to attend them. But the exercises are conducted with 
the greatest plainness and propriety. There are no 
extraordinary or unusual means resorted to to excite the 
imagination, or act upon the feelings. 

Some of the earlier effects of his preaching, when the 
extraordinary circumstances which attended him drew 
together audiences of so heterogeneous a character, 
and the passionate force of his eloquence wrought so 
powerfully upon the imaginations of his hearers exer- 
cised a controlling influence upon Mr. Oone's judgment. 
He never ceased to pray that " the Lord would 
revive his work in the midst of the years;" but it 
was a revival of pure and undefilcd religion he prayed 
for, and he looked to God for its accomplishment. He 
could never believe that an irreverence approaching to 
blasphemy, or a levity, in the handling of sacred things, 
trenching close upon buffoonery, however they might 
amuse or stimulate a crowd of human beings, could be 
acceptable in the sight of that God before whom the 
angels veil their faces, in awful worship. 

"With reference to the '•falling away" of some whose 
feelings had deceived their hearts, he writes to his 
mother in January, 1821: " My prospect of usefulness 
in the cause of a dear Redeemer is not at present very 

8 



170 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOrGHTON CONE. 

encouraging. It is a cold time with us in the church, 
and very few are inquiring the way to Zion. Some 
neglect to assemble themselves together ; and others 
have gone out from us, to make it manifest that they 
were not of us. But these things you know, my 
dear mother, are not surprising. After an ingathering 
there must be a sifting time, and however trying 
it may- be, both to pastor and people, God assures 
us that though ' He will sift the house of Israel, as 
corn is sifted in a sieve, yet not one grain shall fall 
to the ground.' So true it is that whom He loveth. He 
loveth to the end, and He will never leave them nor 
forsake them." 

At the great meetings, or meetings of days in Yirginia 
the exercises are never varied from the regular Sabbath 
day order of Baptist worship. In Virginia, indeed, 
where the Baptist churches comprised a very large por- 
tion of the Christian population, the strictest sim- 
plicity of religious manners and exercises alwaj^s pre- 
vailed, and the " form of sound words" was adhered to 
with scrupulous exactness. 

Amongst these churches it was the lot of the subject 
of this memoir to serve his apprenticeship in the Lord's 
work, and whatever of opinion, or doctrine, or idea of 
discipline was unformed in his mind, at the commence- 
ment of his ministry, very rapidly settled into an un- 
changeable conviction, in that stern and uncompromising 
old school of Baptists. 

It was worthy of remark that his opinions and princi- 
ples in religious matters were made up and established 
in these early years of his ministry. Change of place, of 
association, time, variety of circumstance, study — nothing 
ever altered or varied them a jot! — Converted, he 
searched the Scriptures diligently, and made up from that 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 171 

one book of books his whole body of divinity. He had one 
unvarying test, for everything of a religions character ; 
for every duty, scheme or object — "Is there a ^ thus 
saith the Lord ' for it ?" The natural temper and quality 
of his mind had no doubt a great deal to do with the 
stern consistency of his religious principles. As convic- 
tions, they were rules which nothing could interfere with 
or modify. The same was equally true of every convic- 
tion of duty, whether to his country or his God. At the 
time of the attack on Baltimore, he was a member of the 
church, and many good people thought that he ought to 
resign his commission, urging that the shedding of blood 
was sinful. But it was a conviction of his soul that God 
called all true men to fight for liberty, that liberty the 
choicest boon of which was freedom to worship Him, 
with as audible and commanding a voice as He called 
any to preach the everlasting Gospel ; and he went 
into battle singing, or rather humming the air of a hymn. 
His men smiled at what seemed to them an incongruity, 
but they followed him all the more confidently. In his 
speech before the Bible Society at Baltimore, in 1841, he 
says, " I love my country, and were it necessary, should 
not hesitate a moment to stand forth in her defence." It is 
therefore certain, from the peculiar formation of his mind, 
that what he once believed he believed for ever ; and to 
believe with him was to act. " Faith without works " 
he held to be " dead." He examined a subject very 
carefully and prayerfully ; and never stirred " without 
great argument ;" but a conclusion arrived at — all the 
reasons weighed both for and against a matter, and a 
conviction established in his mind that one side was the 
right, and the other the wrong — he took the right and 
went forward in it unrelentingly, no matter who opposed 
or ridiculed, or combated ; no matter if it led over the 
breasts of his best friends according to the flesh ; no 



172 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

matter who it alienated, or astonished or disgusted. 
The right was the right ; there could be no two rights 
in the same matter. One must be truth and the 
other error. And as God was truth, truth was the rule 
of God's children. They must not hesitate, or compro- 
mise, or vacillate, or attempt to combine the incompati- 
bilities of truth and error. Let come what might, truth 
was to be spoken, truth was to be acted ; truth was to be 
lived for, and died for. Therefore he was a Baptist ; 
and if he had been the only particular Baptist alive in 
the whole world, and all the world against him, crying 
shame upon him, deriding, hating, or persecuting— he 
would have been just the same — Baptist to all extremi- 
ties. Let us define, however, what his opinion of a true 
Baptist was. It was very simple, and was, indeed, 
merely this ; that a true Baptist was he who took the law 
of every act of his religious life from the Bible, and 
from nothing else, and in whose eyes nothing which was 
ordained of God, whether as doctrine, discipline, or ordi- 
nance, could be non-essential ! Hence, also, naturally 
arose his intense desire for a pure translation of the Word 
of God into all languages, his owm not excepted, that 
men might everywhere read in their own tongue, and 
for themselves, exactly what God said to them by the 
moutjis of holy men of old. 

The Eev. Cumberland George, of Culpepper Court- 
house Va., in a note to us dated January, 1856, pays a 
warm tribute to his talents as a preacher, and to this his 
firm devotiooi to the t/ruth.- He says, '' It is needless for 
me to say anything about my recollection of his hand- 
some person, his incomparable voice — his easy diction 
and splendid enunciation. ^ "^V '^ I heard him often in 
Fredericksburg. He loved to preach Jesus Christ, and 
wherever he went, large crowds flocked together to hear 
from his eloquent tongue the message of salvation. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 173 

" In his attendance on Associational or other religious 
solemnities, or in the social circle, there was something 
in his whole bearing that seemed to say, 'I have a. 
great work to do, and for me there is no rest, until it be 
all accomplished.' Among his traits of character, as 
they appeared to me, I may mention, Ms love of truth — 
his firmness when his position was once taken. It was 
not the firmness of obstinacy, but it was the develop- 
ment of an intelligent conviction that he had the truth 
on his side. His moral courage in avowing and pro- 
claiming what he felt to be true. Although of kind, 
afiectionate, and obliging disposition, yet where truth 
w^as concerned, he had neither concessions nor compro- 
mise, to make. Such to my mind appeared to be some 
of the prominent characteristics of Spencer H. Cone, in 
the earlier years of his ministry. Since his removal to 
New York, I have not been an uninterested spectator 
of his public course ; and I rejoice to say there has beeia 
nothing in his eventful life, with which I am acquainted, 
that has not served to confirm in my mind, my idea in 
early life, concerning his devoted piety — his zeal for 
God — his love of the truth as it is in Jesus, and his 
dauntless courage in avowing and maintaining what he 
believed to be true. The ability of Dr. Cone as a 
speaker, and as a president of deliberative assemblies, 
I need not mention." 

Most of the members of the Alexandria church, who 
sat under his ministry, are dead or scattered. Some 
few yet remain, however, and from one of these we 
have obtained several interesting facts. 

"I think," she says, "it was during the summer 
either of 1806 or Y, that Mr. Cone first visited Alexan- 
dria. It was his first appearance there, upon the stage. 
The theatre was a small, temporary building, erected in 
Virginia, outside the district line. On the occasion of 



174 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

his first appearance, from a hundred and fifty to two 
hundred persons were present. One fact connected 
with the history of that audience is very peculiar, and 
worthy to be recorded — it is this : that more than 
twenty of the number afterwards became members of 
diff*erent churches in Alexandria, and that Mr. Cone 
baptized ten of them, of whom three were chosen dea- 
cons by the Baptist church, in Alexandria, nine or ten 
years after. 

^' Whilst on the stage, Mr. Cone sustained in Alexan- 
dria, where we knew him, the character of a strictly 
moral man. His manners were polished, and we met 
him only in the best society, which he frequented. On 
the Sabbath-day, during that time, he was rarely if ever 
missed from his seat in church. He was a gentleman 
in character and standmg. 

" On the night of the 24th of September, 1810, Alex- 
andria w^as devastated by a destructive fire. The fiames 
raged all night, and laid waste the entire square on the 
river side of Union street, extending from Prince to 
Duke street. That part of the city was in those days 
occupied by shippers, commission merchants, board 
yards, &c. Mr. Cone was the most prominent workman 
on that night. He exerted every power of body and 
mind to combat the raging element. From midnight 
until the morning of the 25th he w^as seen everywhere at 
work amonst the flames. It is now forty-six years since 
that night of terror, but if there be a man still living 
who labored with him he can testify to the facts stated ; 
and that it was mainly through his instrumentality that 
the spread of tlie conflagration was prevented. Thus 
Mr. Cone was a public character, esteemed and loved in 
the city of Alexandria, long before he made profession 
of religion. 

" During the year 1815 he was called to the charge of 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 176 

the churcli there. He was called, it is true, by a few 
poor women — they formed the whole of the little Bap- 
tist church then existing in the city. A few poor women 
— ^but when onr blessed Lord, bending beneath His cross, 
toiled up the cruel hill, and the women followed him— 
where was the church ? 

" Mr. Cone accepted their call, and he was made the 
instrument of building up the church till the ' little one 
became a thousand.' It was the privilege of the church 
to be well acquainted with their pastor. He was truly 
a present friend in joy or sorrow, and the poor always 
hailed him as their help in time of need. He stood 
high in our society, not only as a minister, but as a man 
of literary taste and ability ; and we used to think that 
if his mission had been that of an author, instead of the 
care of souls, his success would have been equally bril- 
liant. I recollect he commenced the study of Hebrew 
whilst in Alexandria. A gentleman, a fine Hebrew 
scholar, visited the city and was desirous of making up 
a class. A number of professional men joined it, and 
Mr. Cone headed the list of scholars. 

" In the missionary cause he made one amongst the 
very first laborers in this country. He spoke ' trumpet 
tongued,' its duty to the church, and it can be said to 
their honor that they responded to the call to the full 
extent of their abilities. It was just the same in every- 
thing ; the church stood ready to hold up his hands in 
every good word and work. Whatever he felt it his 
duty to call them to engage in, they were ready and 
willing to follow in. 

"Thirty-three years have passed since the ties that 
bound pastor and church together there were severed, 
by Mr. Cone's removal to New York; yet as long as he 
lived, the churxih in Alexandria was bound to him by 
the cords of tenderness and affection, and they now 



176 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

mourn with their sister churches in New York, a pastor 
and brother beloved in the Lord, and children yet 
unborn will be taught by them to love and revere his 
name. "Whom he loved he loved always. The grave — 
the grave only, interrupted his friendships. 

" During the first year that he was pastor in Alexandria, 
he visited the Ketocton Association. He had been 
appointed to preach the introductory sermon. The good 
brethren were anxiously expecting him, and had formed 
their own ' beau ideal,' and one as unlike the reality as 
possible. When, therefore, a very young man, with a 
broad-brimmed white hat, a pair of saddle-bags over one 
arm, a brown hoUand umbrella under the other, and 
dressed in a riding-suit of light grey cloth, made his 
appearance, no one fancied for an instant that the great 
preacher could be amongst them. "Wherever he went 
in the surrounding country, crowds flocked to hear him, 
and on this occasion, as usual, since the meeting-house 
would not hold the hundredth part of the audience 
gathered together, a stand had been erected on the 
outside, beneath the trees. The ministering brethren 
present did not know him, and, of course, imagined he 
had failed to fill the appointment, although he was 
quietly seated amongst them on the stand. 

"The hour for commencing the exercises arrived, and 
the ' alternate ' was prepared to take the desk, when he 
rose up, and uttered the first two lines of the hymn : 

" ' I'm not ashamed to own my Lord, 
Or to defend His cause !' 



"Words fail to describe the sensation created among 
the crowd, or the breathless silence with which the 
sermon was listened to by the mixed multitude con- 
gregated together on the occasion. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOTJaHTON CONE. 177 

" On that stand commenced friendships that .cheered 
his path for forty years." 

Whilst preaching in Virginia, Dr. John L. Dagg, now 
of Georgia, was also settled there. They commenced 
preaching together; held the same views of doctrine, 
. and associated very constantly. We have been indebted 
to him, very much, in the course of this work, for valuable 
information and suggestions. He affords us the follow- 
ing account of his ministerial intercourse with Mr. Cone 
in Virginia ; and of the Father in the Gospel, of whom 
one was the spiritual child, the other an ardent and life- 
long admirer. 

He says, speaking of the manner of appointments for 
preaching at different places, and the character of 
Virginia ''great meetings," •'Our chief religious festival 
was at our associations, which were usually held about 
the close of summer, and lasted from three to five days. 
They were generally attended by large crowds, especially 
on the Sabbath. A stand was erected in a grove near 
the meeting-house, where preaching was kept up from 
day to day ; and sometimes another stand for the colored 
members of the congregation. 

"The meeting-house was reserved for the transaction 
of the business of the association, except on the Sabbath ; 
and on that day was wholly insufficient to accommodate 
the multitudes assembled. At those great gatherings, 
Mr. Cone's voice was often heard proclaiming the Gospel 
of Christ ; and he was usually selected as one of the 
preachers for the Sabbath. No doubt many now living 
in Virginia, remember the discourses heard from him on 
such occasions with pleasure. On his journeys to and 
from the associations, it was his custom to have appoint- 
ments made at suitable preaching places. Besides these 
annual occasions, he often took excursions into the neigh- 
boring counties, and preached the Word. He sent hi^ 

8^ 



178 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

appointments previously, by letter, to some of us, who 
were always solicitous to obtain them, and glad to make 
them public. In this manner he scattered much seed, 
which, I doubt not, will produce fruit in the great 
harvest, and add to the number of the sheaves over 
which he will rejoice." 

Speaking of the character of the men with whom Mr. 
Cone associated, and in the school of whose experience 
and wisdom his character as a preacher of the Gospel 
was formed, Dr. Dagg continues : 

'' Fristoe was the Gamaliel at whose feet I sat in early 
life. I was baptized, licensed, and ordained by him ; and 
under his instruction my views of divine truth were 
formed. It is altogether probable that your father's 
association with this able and revered father in the Gos- 
pel was useful to him. I am aware that he admired the 
talents of this aged divine, and had great confidence in 
the soundness of his theological opinions ; and I know, 
also, that Fristoe esteemed him highly, and used to hear 
him preach gladly. 

"On one occasion, when greatly pleased with the sing- 
ing of a young female member of the Alexandria church, 
he pleasantly remarked to her, ' Why, sister, you sing 
almost as well as Cone preaches.' 

" The pioneer Baptist minister of Virginia, was David 
Thomas, who w^ent forth from the Philadelphia Baptist 
Association, and labored with success in the northeas- 
tern part of the State. William and Daniel Fristoe were 
baptized by him at Chappawamsic, eight miles from 
Dumfries, and became eminent and laborious ministers 
of Christ. 

''The churches formed under the ministry of Mr. 
Thomas were at first attached to the Philadelphia Asso- 
ciation ; but afterwards, w^hen three in number, they 
formed an association of their own, which was called 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 179 

Ketocton, from the place of its first meetings. At this 
first meeting of the first Virginia Association, William 
Fristoe was f)i'esent, and he lived and labored during 
all that period in which the Baptists of Virginia suffered 
persecution from the civil power. He was therefore a 
Baptist, tried, and true-hearted. The fear of suffering 
never turned him away from steadfast adherence to the 
truth, or silenced his voice. He was one of those who 
struggled amidst the persecutions, to obtain that religious 
liberty in which now our whole land rejoices. His 
firm adherence to sound principles underwent even a 
severer test than that which persecution applied. The 
Philadelphia Baptists maintained the system of faith 
usually styled Calvinistic, which is set forth in their 
confession of faith. This doctrine was at first taught by 
Mr. Thomas, but after a time he was thought to waver 
in his exhibition of it. In one of his public discourses, 
he said, " Who was John Calvin ? A persecuting bigot. 
Who was James Arminius ? A meek and humble disci- 
ple of Christ.' In this strain he contrasted the char- 
acters of the two men, giving preference to the latter ; 
and was understood to give a like preference to the sys- 
tem of doctrines which he taught. The young disciples 
were grieved that their father in the Gospel had departed 
from the truth, as they had first learned it from him ; 
and they held a private, sorrowful meeting, to determine 
what ought to be done in the case. At this meeting it 
was decided to be their duty to labor, as children with 
a beloved parent, to bring back their spiritual guide to 
the good old path from which he was wandering. Wil- 
liam Fristoe was selected to perform this very delicate 
and responsible service. Tremblingly, yet firmly, he 
approached the venerated man, reminded him of the 
- truth which they had once learned from his lips, and 
reasoned with him out of the Scriptures. His mission 



180 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 

appears to have been successful, for confidence in the 
orthodoxy of their spiritual leader was afterwards res- 
tored. 

" Such a man, firm in every emergency, steadfast in 
the truth, and zealous for its propagation, was William 
Eristoe ; and that your father's ministry had the appro- 
bation and confidence of such a man, was no ordinary 
praise." 

"Whenever Mr. Cone spoke of old Father Fristoe, he 
would shake his head and say empliatically : 

"Ah! he was ^ijowerful preacher. He understood 
the truth, and knew how to make it understood. He 
was the best preacher I ever heard." 

On the subject of his early acquaintance with Mr. 
Cone ; of his labors in Yirginia, and the character of 
his eloquence, Dr. Dagg says : 

> " Brother Cone and I entered the Gospel ministry 
about the same time ; he in the District of Columbia, I 
in Loudon County, Virginia, separated from the District 
only by the County of Fairfax. We soon became 
acquainted with each other, and a friendship commenced 
which nothing ever disturbed. I loved him most sin- 
cerely, and felt honored by the confidence and aff'ection 
with which he ever regarded me. As one by one the asso- 
ciates of my early days have been removed to the 
unseen world, I have rejoiced that he was spared so long 
as a fellow-laborer in the Lord's cause, and that he was 
permitted to render so important service to the genera- 
tion in which our lot was cast. 

" Soon after he began to preach, his fame spread 
through the neighboring country, and I, in common 
with many others, felt a strong desire to see and hear 
one of whom so much was said. This privilege I 
enjoyed on the morning of March Slst, 1818, when I 
heard him preach in the Baptist meeting-house in Alex- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 181 

andria, where he was pastor. His text was Hosea, 6, 1. 
His sermon was experimental, and well adapted to affect 
the heart. After he descended from the pulpit, I was 
introduced to him by a friend, and received from him a 
gentle reproof, for not having made myself known before 
the services commenced. Finding I had an appoint- 
ment for the next day, to preach for a church a few 
miles from the town, he arranged to ride out with me. 
Thus our personal acquaintance commenced. On being 
invited to visit our neighborhood, he readily consented 
to do so ; and frequently afterwards, his voice was heard 
in our churches, proclaiming the salvation of Jesus. 
Multitudes thronged to hear, and many received the 
word with joy. 

"Though his ministry attracted attention, his course 
was not that of a revivalist. His chief success was at 
the place where he regularly labored- Here, it may be 
said, a continual revival existed, from the time he 
accepted the pastoral charge to the day of his removal. 
Without noise, or the extraordinary effort of protracted 
meetings, the increase of the church was constant, and 
the interest in spiritual things continued and active. 

"The church at Alexandria, when he became its pastor, 
belonged to the Baltimore Association. This Associa- 
tion, at that time, was under the influence of Anti- 
Mission principles. In decided opposition to these 
principles, the benevolence of Brother Cone's heart 
prompted him to labor for the conversion of the world, 
and to favor every judicious effort to extend the 
Kingdom of Christ. He found more congeniality of 
feeling among the brethren south of the Potomac ; and 
as a proposal to divide the Ketocton Association of 
Yirginia had been for several years under consideration, 
he favored the plan, and assisted to originate the Colum- 
bia Association, which was formed out of the Ketocton 



182 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Association, with the addition of the churches at Alex- 
andria and Washington City. By this change he was 
brought into more immediate connection with the 
Virginia Baptists, who regarded him as one of their 
ablest ministers, and have ever held him in high esteem. 
Though his forwardness to aid in the benevolent enter- 
prises of the day was abundantly manifested during his 
residence in Alexandria, it had a wider field of opera- 
tion, and was productive of more important results, after 
his removal to New York. 

" As a public speaker, Brother Cone possessed extraor- 
dinary endowments. Such was his command of language, 
that in all the sermons which I ever heard him preach, 
he never, so far as I remember, hesitated for a word, or 
recalled one that had dropped from his lips. Yet his 
words conveyed his thoughts perspicuously and expres- 
sively. They bore no marks of previous study, and 
betrayed no ambition for literary reputation ; but they 
came spontaneously to render the service which he 
required, and took their places in proper order. His 
gestures were simple, appropriate, and graceful. I have 
known orators who could exhibit more of dazzling 
brilliance, or who could take loftier and bolder flights, 
or who could put in motion a deeper tide of feeling. His 
eloquence was more uniform and rendered his discourse 
throughout interesting and attractive. His voice cor- 
responded to the style of his eloquence. He did not 
sometimes thunder, and at other times whisper ; but he 
proceeded throughout his discourse with an utterance 
even, distinct, firm and strong, and yet wdth sweetly 
varied modulation, and with appropriate and expressive 
emphasis. On visiting an association in Virginia, where 
he had never preached, he rose in the progress of the 
business, to make a few remarks on a subject which 
was under discussion; and although he made no effort, 



LIFE OF SrENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 183 

and designed to produce no special effect, the tones of 
his voice not only fixed the attention of all who were 
within the building, but caused many who were outside 
to enter immediately. In the pulpit he was ever solemn, 
ever earnest ; and addressed his hearers as one who bore 
to them a message from God. All felt that he believed 
what he spoke. 

" He w^as a firm believer in that system of doctrine 
which ascribes the salvation of men to the free grace of 
God. He maintained that men are by nature totally 
depraved and helpless ; that they can be justified only 
by the righteousness of Christ ; that they can be renewed 
and sanctified only by the influence of the Holy Spirit ; 
and that salvation throughout is God's work, in which 
he fulfills his eternal purpose and displays his sovereign 
love. In presenting these truths, he never lost sight of 
man's obligation to obey the law of God, and to repent 
and believe the Gospel. He preached the truth boldly ; 
not shunning to declare the whole counsel of God. He 
was a decided Baptist. His maintenance of Baptist 
principles awakened considerable opposition, in the 
early part of his ministry in Alexandria ; but while he 
treated with courtesy those who differed from him, he 
freely discussed, in his own pulpit, the points of difference, 
and convinced many who came to hear. These discus- 
sions were not conducted in the spirit of angry con- 
troversy ; but the love of souls predominated, and 
opposers were at the same time converted to God^ 
and to the faith which they had despised. 

"His walk as a Christian, and his work as a pastor, 
were in harmony with his pulpit ministrations. In 
everything he exhibited the man of God. He taught 
the road to Heaven and led the way. 

" Brotherly love filled a large place in his heart. In 
his intercourse with brethren, when present, he was kind 



184 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 

and courteous ; and when absent, he scrupulously avoided 
speaking ill of any one. With his brethren in the ministry 
he cultivated the most friendly relations ; and during 
that part of his life in which I was most intimate with 
him, there was but one minister with whom I ever 
knew him to have any difficulty, and he was a man of 
intolerant spirit, who did not hesitate to denounce from 
the pulpit those who would not subscribe to his anti- 
nomian creed. To refute the unfounded allegations of 
such a man became a Christian duty. 

" But love to his Master's cause was his ruling passion. 
This prompted his efforts, and rendered him indefatigable 
in his toils. As he felt and labored, so he taught his 
people to feel and labor ; and abundant proof of the 
tendency and effect of his instructions appears in the 
amount of the contributions for religious purposes which 
he always succeeded in obtaining from those to whom 
he ministered. 

" When such a man falls in Israel, Zion may well 
mourn. In his death another Jonathan has been taken, 
and my heart is torn and bleeding. It seeks relief in 
the thought, that the days of mourning will soon be 
past. The time of conflict and separation will soon be 
over, and we shall meet in the grand triumph above. 

'' When he fought the enemies of his country at North 
Point, I, too, was under arms in a different regiment ; 
and though not in the battle, was so near, as to see the 
smoke of the conflict in which he was engaged, and in 
which the leader of the invading host receiv^ed his death 
wound. When we were afterwards fellow-soldiers in a 
nobler cause, it was still his to occupy a more prominent 
position, and to perform more active service ; and it was 
mine, while laboring to do the humbler duty assigned 
me, to witness his prowess and achievements, and rejoice 
in his success. And in the great day, when he shall lay 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 185 

his crown at the Saviour's feet, and the mnltitudes who 
have been converted by his instrumentality shall be as 
stars in his diadem ; though I cannot claim equal honor, 
I hope to share with him, in some humble measure, the 
joy of our common Lord." 



186 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUaHTON CONE. 



CHAPTER X. 

CATHAKTNE AND ELIZA CONE. 

Cathaeine and Eliza were the youngest of his four 
sisters. Catharine married Mr. John Norvell, his 
partner in the "Baltimore Whig," and afterwards 
United States Senator, from Michigan. Eliza became 
the w^ife of James Leslie, Esq., of Philadelphia. Both 
married when very young, and died early. 

Mrs. ITorvell was a woman of remarkable sweetness 
of disposition, and singular personal beauty. After her 
conversion and baptism, she w^as distinguished by an 
ardent faith. The grace of God developed and heightened 
the natural graces of her character, and deepened the 
tenderness of her heart in an uncommon manner. Such 
was the gentleness of her spirit, that under the most 
severe trials and sicknesess, she was never known or 
heard, by any, to repine, or indulge in a harsh or hasty 
word. With a highly cultivated mind, and great natural 
humor and quickness of perception, she had also a meek- 
ness and forbearance, w^iich prevented her from ever 
wounding the dullest or most ignorant. She w^as, from 
the testimony of all who kue^v her, a thing framed by 
nature to be loved. Her brother, indeed, and his wife, 
loved her with the most absolute and tender affection. 
Neither of them ever spoke of her except as of some- 
thing too pure and exquisitely sensitive for the rough 
uses of the hard world we live in. Happily for herself, 
she went Home very young. 

The thought which lay nearest his heart after his own 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 187 

conversion, was those dear sisters. A never-ceasing 
'anxiety urged him on their behalf. Although separated 
from them by distance, he must preach to them the 
[Gospel ? He must continually warn and entreat them 
— no matter whether they would hear or forbear. 

'' While I live," he exclaims, " and you remain un- 
regenerate, you must expect and bear from me the 
warning voice. How can you escape if you neglect so 
great salvation ? In whose arms can you be eternally 
secure, should you continue to turn a deaf ear to the 
voice of the heavenly charmer? Are you unable of 
yourselves to flee into the strong tower? Your want of 
strength is a good plea — Christ died for sinners is a 
better : urge them both at a throne of Grace, again and 
again, and may God have mercy upon your precious, 
immortal souls !'' 

His warning voice was not raised in vain. His letters, 

' warm with fraternal love, and preaching unceasingly to 

Ithem the whole Gospel of Christ, were amongst the 
means blessed to their conversion. Catharine, the 
gentlest and most teachable of all, was earliest gathered 
into the fold of the Good Shepherd. Fragile and delicate, 
the consumptive tendencies of her constitution heightened 
for a time the bloom of apparent health, and lent to her 
complexion the dazzling brilliancy and clearness with 
which the disease flatters its victims as it plants upon 
their cheeks the roses of the grave. Very soon, however, 
after the birth of her second child, the sad flowers began 
to fade, and the melancholy brightness of the varying 

I hectic only remained. 

They took her away to the quiet country, still hoping 

I that change of air and scene, and the influences of a 
milder climate, the peaceful repose of nature, and the 
watchful care of those who loved her, might at least 
retard awhile the advances of the disease. It was a 



k£. 



188 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

vain hope. But if the angel of death watched near her, 
waiting for her spirit, it was only as the messenger of 
the mightier Angel of the Covenant, and to bear her 
home clothed in the white garment of His salvation. 

Amongst her brother's papers there is a little book of 
hers, containing some scraps of a diary which she 
appears to have tried to keep whilst absent. A few 
pages only are filled, and the handwriting shows that 
the effort to write was a painful one. All the sweetness 
of her character, and earnest faith may however be read 
in those few sentences — they open the whole volume of 
her heart. 

''July 10th, — Through mercy I am spending a month 
or two in the country for the benefit of my health. Let 
me never forget, oh ! my Father, whose kind hand 
sustains me, and softens the couch of my sufi^ering. 
May a repining temper be ever far from me ; but let me 
at all times say, it is the Lord ! let Him do what seemeth 
to Him good. I desire to. feel and acknowledge the 
happiness of having a Christian friend in this solitude. 
May we strengthen each other in the strait path that 
leads to life, and go on our way rejoicing. 

"July nth, — Hitherto the Lord hath helped me, and 
shall I now be afraid ? His afflicting hand is on my 
dear boy, and whether it be unto death or no who 
can tell ; but all that I am, and all that I have are His. 
The Lord gives and takes away — blessed be His holy 
name ! 

^'Keep me this day, oh, our Father ! from presumptu- 
ous sins. Let not the enemy of souls have occasion for 
rejoicing ; but strengthen me by Thy grace to fight with 
true courage ; to put to flight all my cruel adversaries, 
and enable me to sing glory, and honor, and dominion, 
and power to the Lamb who makes us more than 
conquerors through His precious blood. Bless the Lord 



LIFE OF SPEXCER H0UGHT0:N" COj^E. 189 

oh, my soul ! and all that is within me bless and 
magnify His holy name, for He has mercy upon those 
who have none to help them. 

" Jiily Vlth. — Help me to see Thy hand in my present 
trial, and in every case where Thou seest proper to take 
my idols from me. Is it a proof that I am a child 
of God ? Let me then take the cup joyfully, and drink it 
to the very dregs. Yet, if not inconsistent with Thy holy 
will, I humbly desire that the physician w^ho will 
shortly attend my sick lamb, may be sent of Thee, and 
through Thy mercy save his precious life. But if Thou 
hast ordered it otherwise, though Thou slay me, yet will 
I trust in Thee. 

^'July 13th. — Let this day also be Thine, oh, my Father, 
who art in Heaven^ Thou hast shown mercy to me in 
saving my dear child — may he be saved eternally — oh, 
that his soul may live before Thee. I have desired this 
one thing for myself — my beloved husband ; my chil- 

i dren ; my dear sisters and friends who are out of Christ 

— that they — that we all might have an interest in the 

atoning blood that was shed on Calvary. Oh, deny me 

not before I die ! Give me to see Thy great salvation. 

" July 16th. — It is the Sabbath ! Rest, oh my soul, from 

( all thy works, and take hold of Christ and His righteous- 
ness as thy portion and eternal rest. I have been 
reading the lith chapter of John. "What consoling 
language does our Elder Brother there use — ' Let not 
your heart be troubled !' Oh, what height and depth, 
what length and breadth is there in the love of God to 
us. ' I am the way, the truth and the life.' Lord I 
feel it. Keep me in the way, for Thou art able to save 
unto the uttermost. ' I will not leave you comfortless.' 
Lord, it is too much ! Oh, what grace. How does my 
ingratitude rise in array against me. How hateful is 
sin, especially my sins, which have grieved the Com- 



190 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 

forter and caused Him to leave me in doubt and 
darkness. Am I not a hell-deserving sinner ? Yes, yes ! 
Magnify Thy goodness Thou Saviour of sinners, by 
bestowing upon me — even me — a portion of that peace 
which Thou gavest to Thy disciples on leaving them, 
that peace which passeth all understanding. 

Aug, 6th, 1820. — The sun is setting and the sober mists 
of evening are stealing over the face of nature. Alas ! 
how mournful are the reflections of those w^ho, on look- 
ing over their past lives, can dwell upon no one solitary 
action that has been truly Godly ; all springing from a 
corrupt source ; all the streams and rills poisoned from 
the fountain. And does not sin and folly mark all my 
actions ? Lord save me from myself— I loathe myself." 

The summer-time faded ; the winter came. The poor 
broken flower drooped more and more ; but with the open- 
ing spring the Master took it and planted it in His own 
garden, where the heat of summer never scorches, nor 
the winter cold can blight. It was a happy passing from 
earth to Heaven. Her husband's letter, referred to in 
the following one of her brother Spencer, gave an 
affecting detail of her last hours. That letter has 
unfortunately been lost. It was most probably destroyed 
in the fire of April 1822, in Alexandria. This fire was, 
on many accounts, a disastrous event. The house in 
which he lived at the time, was a large three-story brick 
building on King street. Next door to it was a cabinet- 
makers shop. Some boards carelessly left to dry upon 
a stove were the cause of the fire. Mr. Cone's house 
was in flames, for it was midnight when the fire took, 
before any of the inmates were awakened. He had 
collected quite a valuable library, which was totally 
destroyed. The greatest loss however, were the letters 
and papers relating to his early life. Amongst them 
was an autobiography which he had prepared. He 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 191 

constantly promised to re-write it, but in the multiplic- 
ity of his duties and engagements he never found time 
to do so. 

The house was entirely consumed. The family, barely 
escaping with their lives, found refuge in the hospitable 
mansion of Mrs. Edmonds, a member of the church, and 
i very dear friend, by whom everything that kindness 
could suggest was done to make them forget their loss 
and terror. The other friends were equally kind. 
Sympathy for his loss was not indeed confined to the 
city of Alexandria, for we find by a letter from Rev. S. 
W. Lynd that the little church in Bordentown, New 
Jersey, took up a collection, and with many apologies for 
its smallness, but with a warm expression of sympathy, 
worth much more than money, sent it to him. Mr. 
Lynd had been converted through his instrumentality ; 
by hearing him preach during the autumn of 1818, 
in Sanson! street meeting-house, Philadelphia, from the 
words " Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy 
youth." " This discourse," Mr. Lynd writes to him. May 
12th5 1820, " was the means of bringing me to that serious 
reflection, which I have reason to believe resulted in my 
conversion to God. On that memorable occasion I 
went to the house of God to see the crowd, hear 
the preacher, and gratify a vain curiosity — and I adore 
the mercy of Jehovah who turned it to my profit.'^ 

On the 9th of April, 1821, Mr. Cone, writing to his 
mother words of Christian consolation on the subject 
of his sister Catharine's death, says, " When Abraham 
had received the child of promise, when the termination 
of his earthly "career was at hand, and when perhaps the 
good old man thought his work of faith and patience of 
hope, and labor of love were ended, and he had nothing 
to do but to die, even then it pleased his Heavenly 



192 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Father to test his obedience, and prove his fidelity, by 
a trial more severe than any he had previously known. 
'Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou 
lovest, and offer him for a burnt offering.' How many 
and how powerful the objections, arguments, and 
entreaties, which nature w^ould instantaneously urge 
against such a command ; but grace teaches to submit ; 
grace enables to say ' Father not my will, but Thine be 
done ;' grace strengthens us to trust God where we 
cannot trace him, under the assured conviction ' That 
all things work together for good to them that love God, 
to them who are thus called according to his purpose.' " 

" We have bid adieu, for a short season, to our beloved 
Catharine. 'The Master came and called for her,' and 
I believe that he who loved Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, 
loved Catharine too. I suppose Isaac never found 
a fonder place in the bosom of the Patriarch than she 
did in yours, my mother. May you tread in the foot- 
steps of the 'friend of God,' and since, like him, your 
heaviest trial has come upon you in your old age, may 
you like him, ' be strong in faith, giving glory to God." 
Eemember, our sister is not dead, she sleepeth — she is 
not lost, but gone before ; and now we have one tie less 
to earth, and one silken cord more in heaven. 

'' On Saturday I received from Mr. Norvell a long and 
most interesting letter, detailing many of the circum- 
stances connected with the last sickness and death of our 
dear Catharine. How wonderfully she was supported ; 
oh, how boundless the mercy and goodness of God ! 
'Tis He who enables the dying Christian to say, ' Though 
my heart and my strength fail, yet He is the strength 
of my heart and my portion for ever !" We ought to 
rejoice at such a death — we ought to rejoice that our 
loss is her unspeakable and eternal gain ; and that she 



LITE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 193 

now knows, ' that it is far better to depart and be with 
Christ,' than tarry longer in a world of disappointment^ 
* sickness, sorrow, and sin. 

'^ Poor Sally seems as if she could hardly be reconciled 
to her death, and her eyes fill with tears every time she 
is mentioned, but we shall meet where parting is no 
more ! the Lamb shall lead us to the fountain of livino; 
waters, and God Himself shall wipe away all tears from 
our eyes." 

Hardly three years passed before the angel of death 
knocked again at the door of the little family, which had 
loved so well, and had been so bound up in each other's 
lives. His next younger sister followed Catharine home 
to heaven. Gay, and careless as she was beautiful, the 
influences with which she was surrounded, the admoni- 
tions of her brother, ihe daily conversation of her 
mother, not even the death of her darling sister, whom 
she had nursed to the last with sleepless devotion, had 
appeared ever to affect her, or strike her with a serious 
thought. She was the sprite of the family, full of fun 
and mischief. Referring to her characteristics, her 
brother, writing from Alexandria in 1821, says : 

"Tell Betsev that Wallace is her build to a fraction, 
and when engaged in mischief, has exactly her left arm 
crook, and tiptoe mince." 

Suddenly the symptoms of disease developed them- 
selves in her. The course of the malady was rapid, and 
the laughing, high-spirited woman was laid weak and 
helpless on a bed, from which none could afford her a 
hope of rising. Amongst her brother's letters, there 
remains but a single one of this dear sister's ; that one 
has been preserved with a care evidently attributable to 
the character of its contents. It is dated April 17th, 
1823, just about the period when he was making the 
final arrangements for his removal to New York. His 

9 



194: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

wife and children having already come on northwards 
as far as Philadelphia. 

"- Beloved brother," she says, " as Sally tells me you 
will have but a few hours to stay with us on your way to 
New York, I thought I would prepare you by a few 
lines, for debility prevents my sending many, for a 
circumstance that will not more surprise, than it will 
overjoy a Christian brother's heart. Does it seem possi- 
ble that I — I who have, for so many years, been hard- 
ening my heart in iniquity, should, on what appears 
to be a dying bed — have it sweetly whispered in my 
ear — ' Daughter, be of good cheer, thy sins which are 
manj^, are all forgiven thee.' Even so, my dear 
Spencer. I have experienced such raptures in a 
sick room; had such ^ songs in the night;' have had 
my wishes, feelings, views, all so changed, as to make 
me a wonder to myself. I have had a sweet interview 
with our dear pastor. He gave me the most positive 
and consoling assurances that I was in the safe path — 
only persevere, and watch, and pray, I knew this 
would so joy your heart, that I could not a moment 
longer keep you ignorant." 

The remainder of her letter is devoted to commending 
to her brother's care the orphan children of Catharine 
Norvell. Her own illness, everything in short relating 
to herself, was forgotten in the unselfish devotion of her 
heart to all that remained of the sister she had loved so 
well, and whose last days she had watched and tended 
60 fondly. 

She never saw her brother Spencer again. The news 
of her death came to him at Washington, from which 
place he writes, May 23d, 1823 — '' Dearly-beloved 
mother and sisters,- it has pleased the Great Disposer of 
human events, to remove from us our dear Eliza ; but 
though the dispensation Avas indeed a most trying one, 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 195 

and the ties of nature and strong affection cannot be 
broken asunder without the sharpest pain, yet the cir- 
cumstances of her death are calculated to make us 
rejoice in the midst of our sorrow. From the tenor of her 
last most precious letter to me, and from the testimony 
of Dr. Staughton, I feel confident that she has gone to 
that heavenly Canaan where the wicked cease from 
troubling and the weary are at rest ! That blessed coun- 
try where there is neither sin nor sorrow ; where the 
Lamb that was slain leads His children to fountains of 
living waters and where God, I doubt not, hath wiped 
away all tears from her eyes. Our loss is her unspeakable 
gain. AVhy then should we repine or sorrow as those 
who have no hope ? Hath not the Lord done all things well, 
and instead of murmuring shall we not bless His holy 
name, because He has taken her feet out of the miry clay 
and horrible pit, and then after a few days' bodily suffer- 
ing, removed her to the church triumphant in glory ? 
Oh, what a soul-cheering enrapturing thought ! She is 
now with Jesus. She contemplates His glory and gazes 
upon the God-man Mediator with intense delight, with- 
out a veil between ! and, oh, what a meeting between 
our sainted sisters ! "Who can tell the joy they felt when 
joining heart and hand around the throne, to sing the 
praises of Him who loved them, and gave Himself for 
them. My dear mother, I am sure you must rejoice, 
especially when realizing the shortness of human life, 
and looking forward to that blissful moment when we 
hope to join the choir above. May this providence have 
a tendency to wean us from the world, and strengthen 
us to pursue the path of holiness. My dear sisters, may 
God Almighty bless the event to you both. Oh, may 
He enable you both to lay aside every weight, and the 
sin which doth so easily beset you, that you may run 



196 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

with patience the Christian race, and so run as to 
obtain." 

It was whilst his heart was yet torn and bleeding 
with domestic sorrows, that Providence called him to 
occupy a wider stage of action, and exert his talents in 
a field of Christian effort, the boundaries of which were 
ever afterward daily extending themselves, taking in 
ultimately the whole range of denominational effort in 
the Bible and Mission cause. He felt that he was called 
of God to preach and labor in the city of New York. 

" When he left Alexandria, the church numbered 170 
white members, and 150 colored, most of whom were 
brought to a knowledge of the truth through his instru- 
mentality." So writes Daniel Cawood, adding, that at 
the date of his communication, February 17th, 1856, he 
is the sole surviving male member of that small but 
united band of Baptists, which, at Mr. Cone's coming 
amongst them, numbered some twelve or fourteen 
soulso 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 197 



CHAPTER XI. 

LEAYINa VIRGINIA. 

The impression produced by his preaching during his 
brief visits to New York, and the personal knowledge 
possessed by many of his faithfulness and success in the 
pastoral charge of the church in Alexandria, filled them 
with a desire to induce him, if possible, to establish 
himself permanently in the former city. Efforts were 
made at the same time to draw him to other cities. 
Dr. Staughton wished him to be in Philadelphia, and^ 
the church in Baltimore anxiously desired him there ; 
indeed, during his whole life, they would never give up 
the idea of settling him amongst them in Baltimore, and 
as far as mere personal preference was concerned, his 
heart always drew him towards it. On the 8tli of Jan- 
nary, 1821, he writes, " I have a pressing invitation, just 
now, to settle in Baltimore. I do not as yet, however, 
feel disposed to accept it. The Lord, I hope, will ever 
direct me where to go, and what to do. I desire to 
be entirely at His disposal, and say, in all the changing 
vicissitudes of life, 'Father, Thy will be done.'" 

After his second visit to New York, a number of the 
members' of Oliver street resolved to overcome his dis- 
inclination to leave the church in Alexandria. They 
believed that an opening in Providence was made in 
New York, for just such a man, and that the cause 
demanded his presence there. It appeared to them 
contrary to the designs of Providence, and the best 
interests of the Master's Kingdom, that a man calculated 



198 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. ' 

to exert a commandimg influence upon the denomi- 
nation should be restricted to the narrow bounds of a 
small provincial city. On every side he was pressed 
with urgent appeals to come up and help them. From 
Philadelphia, Dr. Staughton wrote, '' This will be hand- 
ed to you by Brethren Garfield and Trimmul of the New 
Market street church of our city. I will only observe, 
that I am of opinion a very large and important 
interest may be raised in that vicinity, and I have no 
doubt, you would find your labors extensively blessed. 
The worthy brethren, whose affection and zeal I delight 
in reciprocating, would feel as happj^ in your compli- 
ance with the request of that church as myself. I pray 
the Lord may be your guide, and friend, and that the 
cloud of His presence and grace may direct your way. 
'In early life I felt, and have often realized since, the 
experimental lines of Newton 

" Our lot in future years, 
Unable to foresee ; 
He kindly to prevent our fears 
Says ^ leave it all to Me.' " 

The Rev. James McLaughlin adds his solicitation to 
that of the Philadelphia Brethren. It is brief, and warm 
as words can make it. ''I shall rejoice to have you 
near me. Come, beloved of the Lord, and of our hearts ; 
come, and the Lord come with you !" 

The churches at Wilmington, Delaware ; at Albany, 
New York ; in Baltimore ; Philadelphia ; the Beriah 
church in the city of New York, and various others, as 
appears from the dates of their letters, vrere all urging 
him at this time to accept their calls, and pressing upon 
him his duty to choose a wider field. At the same time 
various brethren in the city of New York, amongst 
whom were William ColgatCj Eliakim Eaymond, Garret 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON GONE. 199 

N. Bleecker, Charles Postly, Daniel Hall and* others, 
formed the plan of building a new meeting-house in 
a central position in the city for him. They entered 
into correspondence with him as early as 1818, and 
continued uninterruptedly to importune him until 1823. 
Ground was secured, and money pledged to carry out 
the plan, which appears to have been a favorite one 
with its projectors. Providence overruled it, but their 
importunities, and the crowd of reasons they brought to 
bear upon his mind, had, no doubt, a great influence 
upon his decision. Indeed, not only Baptists, but mem- 
bers of other denominations in those cities, joined in the 
solicitations for his presence amongst them. Thus 
Charles Postly, and Charles C. Andrews, writing from 
New York, Nov. 13th, 1818, say, "Many of different 
denominations are frequently inquiring of us, as Bapr 
tists, ' Whether you are not coming here V And when 
an expression of doubt is given in reply, much disap- 
pointment is manifested by them. We, with many 
others, only require your affirmative answer to take our 
letters and form ourselves into a Gospel church, and 
then wait your much-desired arrival amongst us. Allow 
us, dear brother, to repeat, that the propriety of your 
coming to this city seems to be pointed out by Provi- 
dence.'' 

The most active and prominent men in the churches 
of New York wrote continually in the same strain and 
spirit, until he could not help believing that the finger 
of the Lord was in it, and that His Providence was 
pointing out, through their instrumentality, the path of 
duty. His interest in the Mission cause, and the pros- 
pect of being enabled to exert a larger influence in its 
behalf, had great weight with him. Yery early in his 
ministry Dr. Staughton, at that time corresponding 
secretary of the board of Missions, had recognized 



200 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

a kindred spirit, and invokes his assistance to aid the 
Foreign Missionary Soxjiety. Their expenditures had 
exceeded their receipts more than five thousand dollars, 
a great sum in benevolent enterprises, thirty-five years 
since, and from the tenor of his letter, Spencer H. Cone 
appears to have been amongst the first pitched upon by 
the doctor, then the leader in all such efforts, to aid 
them in their difficulties. " I know the kindness of your 
heart," he says, " and your readiness to advance the 
best interests of the Mission cause. Permit me to 
request of you the favor, that you v^ill immediately call 
upon the treasurer, and our good Brother Colgate, who 
in the hour of exigence has always shown himself a ma^^ 
of God. I write unto you, my brother, as believing that 
like the youth John addressed, - You are strong and the 
Word of God abideth in you.' I affectionately beseech 
you accomplish all you can." 

Thus every interest of the Master's Kingdom appeared 
to demand, with an imperious voice, that he should 
choose the most central and public point for his labors ; 
a point from which the influences of missions, and every 
other form of denominational and benevolent effort 
might radiate to the remotest quarters of the globe. 

In the good providence of God, his mind was ulti- 
mately led to fix upon Oliver street. He had been 
unceasingly urged to accept the joint charge of that 
church, as assistant to the venerable John Williams. 
The increasing age and infirmities of Dr. Williams, and 
his long, acceptable, and faithful services, as an orthodox, 
evangelical, and fearless preacher of the Gospel among 
them, inspired his best friends in the church with the 
desire to relieve him, in a measure, from his pulpit 
labors, and render the last years of a well-spent life less 
trying and laborious. Such, at least, was the shape in 
which it was presented to Mr. Cone. This view and 



II 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 201 

purpose were urged upon Mr. Cone with so much force 
that he began to take the matter into serious considera- 
tion. 

How he felt upon the subject of leaving his church 
in Alexandria, and the motives which induced the 
change, appear in some degree from a letter to the 
Rev. John L. Dagg, then residing at TJpperville, 
Virginia. He never perhaps wrote more freely to any 
one than to Mr. Dagg. They loved each other with a 
manly and Christian love — a love which no separation, 
or time, or circumstance affected. For the opinion of 
John L. Dagg, a great and good man, with the head of 
a scholar, and a warm affectionate heart, combined with 
strong old-fashioned Baptist notions ''and doctrines, he 
entertained a profound and unvarying respect. They 
were every way kindred spirits, and poured their hearts 
out to each other ever without reserve. We do not 
believe, indeed, that any two men ever entertained a 
truer sentiment of friendship for each other, or one more 
unalloyed by selfishness, than they did. To Mr. Dagg, 
he writes in the winter of 1823 : " I have some thoughts 
of leaving the shores of the Potomac, in the course of a 
few months. It is my intention, before taking up the 
line of march, to spend two or three days with you — 
probably in April next. A separation from my present 
charge will, doubtless, be very painful ; but duty to 
God, and to my fellow-men, demand it. I have endea- 
vored to examine the subject, in all its bearings, with 
an eye single to the Master's glory, and hope that my 
mind has been brought to its present determination, by 
the light of His Spirit. In leaving the Alexandria 
church, the most obtrusive and perplexing question is — 
' Who shall succeed to its pastoral care ? ' How would 
you like a town residence? Are you in your right 
place ? The harvest is great — the laborers are few ; the 

9^ 



202 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Lord of the harvest has thrust you into His vineyard ; 
are you giving yourself wholly to the work ?" 

He was contemplating a separation from those who 
were dearest to him ; from his children in the Gospel, 
and his eyes turned instinctively to the brother of his 
heart — to one he loved and trusted entirely — to comfort 
them, and carry on the good work in their midst. He 
could not bear to leave his little flock to a strange 
shepherd. 

'' My dear brother," he continues, " I feel that the 
time is short — the night of this life, in which we see 
things, at best, but darkly, is far spent. Few know 
how to preach Christ as the way, the truth, and the 
life ! Souls are perishing for lack of knowledge. The 
day of judgment, and of glory, are at hand, when 
every subject shall be seen in its true light; and then^ 
when the false glare which has recommended some 
objects to our notice here on earth shall be taken away, 
we shall know better than we now do, that ■ he who 
winneth souls is wise.' May the God of Jacob bless 
you and yours, and enable you to preach the Gospel of 
His Grace, faithfully and successfully to the end. May 
you walk in the light of His countenance all the day 
long ; for, indeed, this is a poor world to live in, without 
the soul-cheering presence of our dear Lord Jesus !" 

In this state of mind, his brethren of the Oliver street 
church continued to ply him with letter upon letter. 
The correspondence displays, in an interesting and 
striking manner, the careful delicacy with which he 
proceeded, and the dread he had of wounding the feel- 
ings of the aged pastor whom he was called to assist. 
But the official correspondence betwixt the committee, 
and their desired pastor will speak for itself. It re(][uire3 
no comment : 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 203 

"New York Jan. 29^A, 1823. 
"Elder Spencer H. Cone. 

'^ Dear Brother : — It is witli no ordinary sensation of 
pleasnre, that we now address you in the name, and on 
behalf, of the Baptist chnrch. of Christ, meeting for 
divine worship in Oliver street in this city, having been 
appointed a committee for the pui-pose, and with instruc- 
tions to communicate to you the result of our delibera- 
tions on that subject so interesting to you and to us. We 
refer to the subject which you know was under consider- 
ation during your visit to l^ew York. After due delib- 
eration on the part of the deacons, trustees, and some 
other brethren united with them, it was, with the 
knowledge and consent of our beloved pastor, submitted 
to the church. Previous to entering upon the discus- 
sion of the subject, a s]3ecial meeting for jDrayer was 
appointed to be held, to ask wisdom and seek direction 
from the Great Master of assemblies in an affair so 
intimately connected with the peace and prosperity of 
our Zion. On the appointed evening, the church met 
with, special reference to the proposition that had been 
submitted to them, when, after a free conversation on 
the subject, the following resolution was made and 
seconded : 

''Besolmd^ That elder Spencer H. Cone of Alexandria, 
be invited to come and assist Brother Williams our 
pastor, in the discharge of his pastoral duty for one 
year. 

" The question was taken by ballot, and t^ere appeared 
one hundred and eleven (111) ayes, and twenty (20) 
nays. In discussing the subject, there was made the fullest 
and strongest expression of love and attachment to our 
present excellent minister, and also an unanimous expres- 
sion of esteem and regard for the brother it was proposed 



204 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

to unite with liim. We believe tlie sole ground of objec- 
tion, to be a fear that Brother Williams might in some 
way be injured. This fear originates, we are persuaded, 
in personal attachment to him. 

''Thus, dear brother, we have endeavored to give 
you, in a few words, a history of our proceedings in this 
business, which we submit for joiiv consideration, ear- 
nestly praying that the Lord may direct you to such a 
decision, as shall result in His glory, and the advance- 
ment of His kingdom in the world. 

Thomas Purser. 

E. Raymond. 

William Colgate." 

" Alexandkia, February Ath., 1823. 

"Beloved Brethren in Christ: Tour important and 
deeply interesting epistle of January 29th was received in 
due season, and as the subject upon which it treats has 
been made familiar to my mind by frequent meditation 
and prayer, I feel prepared to meet it with an imme- 
diate answer. One feature obtrudes itself primarily into 
notice — 20 nays ! Are they known ? are they persevering 
and obstinate in disposition ? Will they oppose my min- 
istry, and convert mole-hills into mountains continually ? 
or are they to be fairly won by kindness and brotherly 
affection ? Give me, I beg of you, such information upon 
this point as will lead me fully into its merits ; for 
whatever mj^judgment may determine, this point is, of 
all others, most perplexing to my feelings. The Great 
Head of the church, I humbly hope and trust, has 
brought me to that state of feeling, and to that decision 
of judgment, which dictates the following remarks : 

" Frequent meditation and prayer, and watching of the 
finger of divine Providence, resulted in the conclusion 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOJSr CONE. 205 

that it was my duty to leave Alexandria. ITot 
knowing where my dear Master would have me go, 
I visited two or three neighboring cities hoping that He 
would open a door, and say to His poor disciple, " This 
is the way — walk in it !" The door seemed to open in 
New York, and I felt constrained to cry — ' Here am I, 
Lord — send me.' God grant that my impressions may 
never prove to have been the suggestions of the adver- 
sary. Of all the plans submitted to my consideration, 
that from the Oliver street church has the decided pre- 
ference, and your letter contains but one unpleasant 
feature, and that feature requires close inspection — 
' Twenty Nays ! ' " 

"New York, February IMli, 1823.- 

"Dear Brother Cone: Your esteemed favor of the 
4th inst. came to hand by due course of mail, and would 
have received a much earlier reply, had not two of the 
committee been absent from town. Your impressions 
that the 'finger of divine Providence' points to this 
city as the place of your future residence, are not pecu- 
liar to yourself; on the contrary may we not say that 
the Macedonian cry, ' Come over and help us' — was 
heard from almost every individual of our denomination. 
But as to the precise spot where it would be most desi- 
rable for you to fix your stand, it was not to be expected 
there would be so unanimous a voice. 

'' We will answer your questions, as far as we are able, 
with the frankness with which they are submitted. 
' Twenty nays. Who are they ?' they are members of 
a Baptist church, not all personally known, as the ques- 
tion was taken by ballot; but we believe all good 
brethren, on whose heart the (Gospel fairly preached 
will tell, and who we hesitate not to believe, would be 
^ fairly won by kindness and brotherly affection.' We 



206 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

cannot believe for a moment that they would ' oppose 
your ministry,' nor do we recollect that, while the ques- 
tion was before the church, there was a single observa- 
tion made directly in opposition. On this point we 
think that we have said enough to quiet your apprehen- 
sions, especially as we have none. Brother William's 
invariable reply to every inquirer has been — ' If the 
church thinks proper to call him I have no objection — 
I see no objection.' May you still enjoy, &c., &c. 
" On behalf of the church. 

Thomas Purser. 

E. Raymond. 

William Colgate." 



"Alexandria, February I9thj 1823. 

"Yery Dear Brethren: Your letter of the lith 
instant was received yesterday, and has had a tendency 
to relieve my mind materially from the embarrassments 
under which it labored. That there should be a diver- 
sity of sentiment among the Oliver street brethren, 
upon the subject of my settlement in New York, is not 
surprising ; it was distinctly anticipated. But before I 
could give you a decisive and categorical reply to the 
propositions contained in your favor of January 29th, it 
was necessary for me to know whether that diversity 
assumed such an aspect as threatened, seriously, to 
interfere with my usefulness and comfort. It is con- 
ceded to be a matter of moment that you should ' have 
no apprehensions upon this point,' but it will also, per- 
haps, be admitted, that satisfaction to the preacher's 
mind is a boon worth eeeking after. The 20 nays, how- 
ever, are disposed of, and the Lord, I trust, will enable 
us to see ' eye to eye,' should Tie ultimately call me 



LIFE OF SPEKCER HOUGHTON CONE. 207 

to labor in your city. You think the question in rela- 
tion to times of preaching 'premature.' Experiqnce 
will demonstrate the sobriety of my judgment in this 
particular. It is a general principle that ingenuous 
preliminary explanation obviates many difficulties, and 
prevents many heart-burnings in our intercourse with 
our fellow-men. But if the whole business be submitted 
by the church, to brother Williams and myself, and if he 
be willing to share the responsibility of all pulpit 
arrangements with me, I am willing to leave it there, I 
wished to know whether brother Williams has recently 
expressed himself decisively and pointedly npon the 
subject. In the frank and unreserved conversation had 
with him w^hen last in New York, my opinion was that 
I had formed a correct estimate of his views and feel- 
ings upon the subject; but I thought it wise to make a 
direct appeal to the judgment of the committee^ that 
from their more extensive information, my opinion 
might either be invalidated or confirmed. That object 
is obtained." 

The " call" of the church to accept the pastoral charge 
conjointly with their old pastor was the answer to this 
letter, and the reply was as follows : — 



"Alexandria, March Sd, 1823. 

" Well- BELOVED Bketheen : Your favor of the 24th 
nit. is before me, and that the Lord may crown the 
step I am about to take is a- consummation devoutly to 
be wished. Enclosed you have my answer to the 
Oliver street church, which you will present at such 
time, and in such manner as yoti may think best. If 
the Lord will, yon may give notice for me to preach in 
your place the third Lord's day of May. It would, I sup- 



208 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

pose, be practicable to come a week earlier, but having 
actpd for years upon two or three of the committees of 
the Board of Missions, it is expected, and yon will per- 
haps think it right, that I should be present at the meet- 
ing of the convention." 

" Alexandria, March 3 J, 1823. 

" To the church of Christy meeting for jpublic worship 

in Oliver street^ New Yor'k, Grace^ mercy ^ and^peace 

from God the Father^ and from ov/r Dear Lord 

Jesus : 

'' Dearly-beloved Brethren : Tour call ' To come 
and assist brother Williams, your pastor, in tlie dis- 
charge of his pastoral duties, for one year^^^ was com- 
municated to me by the committee appointed for that 
purpose. After mature deliberation, aided by the 
counsel of Christian friends ; after discussing a number 
of important preliminary considerations with your com- 
mittee ; and after having obtained, as I do hope and 
trust, the mind and will of God touching this matter, I 
have been brought, at length, to the solemn and determi- 
nate conclusion that duty demands my compliance with 
your invitation. I will come, therefore, if the Lord will. 

" In view of our anticipated relationship, it becomes 
me to specify the leading tenets of that ministry which 
I profess to have received of the Lord Jesus. It is then, 
brethren, my aim and prayer, through grace divine, 
inviolably to maintain, and faithfully and affectionately 
to preach, the following doctrines — viz. : The unity of 
God ; the existence of three equal persons in the God- 
head: the just condemnation and total depravity of all 
mankind by the fall of our first parents ; eternal, per- 
sonal, and unconditional election ; the proper and essen- 
tial deity of the Lord Jesus Christ ; the indispensable 



LIFE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTON CONE. 209 

necessity of His atonement and its special relationship 
to the sins of His people ; justification by the imputed 
righteousness of Christ alone ; effectual calling by the 
irresistible operation of the Holy Sj^irit ; the persever- 
ance of the saints ; believers' baptism by immersion 
only ; the Lord's Su]3per a privilege peculiar to baptized 
believers regularly received into the fellowship of the 
church ; the resurrection of the body ; the general 
judgment; the everlasting happiness of the saints, and. 
the interminable misery of the finally impenitent ; the 
obligation of every intelligent creature to love God 
supremely, to believe what God says, and to practise 
■what God commands ; and the divine inspiration of the 
Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, as the infalli- 
ble rule of faith and practice. 

" It is my intention, by Divine permission, to take up 
my abode in your city in the ensuing month of May, 
and if it shall ultimately please the Great Head of the 
Church to locate His unworthy servant among you, may 
He enable us to look to Him and to Hhn only^ for a 
blessing upon our united efforts to advance His declara- 
tive glory in the earth. 

''With sentiments of unfeigned regard, and with 
ardent prayers for your future prosperity, I remain 
your brother in the everlasting bonds of the Gospel. 

" Spencek H. Cone." 

But it is from the unreserved outpouring of his feel- 
ings into the ear of that mother, upon whose wisdom 
and affection he equally relied, that we are let in, as it 
were, to the most secret places of his soul, and are made 
witnesses of all the varying emotions of his heart. 
There is no attempt at care; no studied phrasing ; no 
reserve in his letters to her. Indeed, he always wrote a 
letter, no matter to whom or upon what subject, with 



210 LIFE OF SPENCER HOrGHTON CONE. 

marvellous rapidity. Just as the feeling dictated the 
words flowed on. 

While yet pressed by the New York brethren, and 
uncertain whether their call was indeed of God, he 
writes, January 13th, 1823, to his mother : " The recent 
journey to New York has occasioned much agitation of 
mind, and seems big with most momentous results with 
reference to all my future life. It is not that my hope 
or confidence in the Lord is shaken. No ! blessed be 
His Holy name, I know in whom I have believed, and 
am habitually persuaded that He is able to keep all I 
have committed unto Him, till the day of Jesus Christ. 
But I am depressed from a view of all the dangers, and 
privations, and difficulties, which await me in my future 
ministerial career. To part with the people of my 
charge, if that should ultimately appear to be the path 
of duty, cannot be anticipated without the most painful 
emotions. To bid an earthly adieu to those Christian 
friends whose fidelity and hearted attachment have been 
proved in winter as well as in summer, and to shake 
hands with those who acknowledged me their Father in 
the ' Gospel, and leave them too, perhaps, without an 
under shepherd to feed them with knowledge and 
understanding. Alas! while contemplating that period, 
I think I understand the words of Paul — ' What, mean 
ye to weep and to break mine heart V And I am sure 
I should faint at the prospect, if Grace had not enabled 
me to say, ' I am willing not only to be bound, but to 
die also at Jerusalem for the Lord Jesus.' I look for 
no heaven on earth, but to preach a crucified Redeemer 
to poor, perishing sinners. Stand by me and support 
me, O thou Angel of the Covenant of Grace. Grant 
me thy presence! restore to my soul the joys of thy 
great salvation ! Uphold me by thy Free Spirit ; and 
then can I look forward with cheerfulness and holy for- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 211 

titude to a life of labor, and prayer, and trial, and 
preaching, and daily watching for the recovery of pre- 
cious souls. 

"We have commenced a new year, and I liave 
entered the eighth of my ministry. What a dull scholar. 
I chide my heart for the little progress it has made in 
the knowledge of its own depravity and deceitfulness ; 
or of the excellency, sweetness, condescension and 
preciousness of my dear Lord Jesus ! Oh, my Saviour, 
work in me both to will and to do of Thine own good 
pleasure. Fill me with the knowledge of Thyself, and 
enable me continually and heartily to pray to Thee ! 
preach for Tliee ! and rejoice in Thee ! Amen ! Even so, 
my sweet Lord Jesus ! I desire this day to be filled 
with gratitude to God, for the gift of His Son — the seal- 
ing of His Spirit, and the consolations of His Word ; and 
I desire, moreover, to bless His holy name for such a 
mother ! May my God bless you with all spiritual 
blessings in heavenly things in Christ Jesus ! May He 
reward all your prayers for me by pouring tenfold 
blessings into your own bosom ! May He recompense 
you abundantly, even in this life, for the great and 
persevering affection you have borne to so unworthy a 
son ! May your years be added unto, like Hezekiah's, 
for the sake of your children ; and while It pleases God 
to continue you upon His footstool, may you every day 
be more and more spiritually minded, which is life and 
peace, until at last the Master's voice is heard, saying : 
' Come up higher.' There, in the presence of our God 
and of His Christ, may we meet to part no more ! 
Forget not to pray for your son/' 

The decision was made, and the time approached for 
him to leave Alexandria. To understand how deeply 
his heart was moved by the necessity, the character of 
bis association with the people of his charge there must 



212 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

be considered. He had found them a little handful, 
but the little one, by God's blessing, had become a 
thousand. They were all his children in the Gospel. 
He had drawn them in from all chisses, and all denomi- 
nations. The centre of their thoughts, and chief object 
of their affections, he bore to them a relation more than 
usually tender. A small place, and a Southern one, 
the distractions, and dividing influences of a great city 
did not interfere between the hearts of pastor and 
people, and the warm, impulsive nature of the people 
had in it nothing of the reticence of northern habits of 
mind. They hung breathlessly upon his words when 
he spoke ; they received him into their houses as one 
who brings a blessing with him ; they surrounded him 
like a family of loving children. His comfort, and hap- 
piness, and his family's, were all the while uppermost in 
their thoughts. Nothing was omitted, nothing thought 
troublesome, which could be done for their good. In 
the strong language of his letter to his mother, their 
attachment was " hearted ;" and all his intercourse with 
them was warmed with the sunshine of the heart. How 
could he leave them ? He must go. Not from choice, 
not from desire. If God would let him, their country 
would have been his country, and where they lived and 
died he would have lived and died. But his Master 
put the necessity upon him. He must break the 
tenderest ties which had ever bound him to his fellow- 
men. He must forsake those who had been true in all 
seasons. He must leave those who had received him 
gladly as the messenger of the everlasting Gospel ; who 
had taken him in their arms, and comforted him, and 
strengthened him for his work. For seven happy years 
that work of faith among them had been a labor of love. 
God had blessed him abundantly amongst them. In 
his public ministrations every effort was a happy season 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 213 

of reunion with all his dear children, and in private life 
every day brought a pleasant meeting with some 
member of that united and confiding family. There is 
nothing strained, therefore, in the idea of sacrifice which 
pervades his letters. To him the change was the worst 
of sacrifices, a sacrifice of the heart. Sensitive in the 
highest degree to affection, and the charms of friend- 
ship, the habit of a daily interchange of their tokens 
with a society which might be said to have been created 
and formed entirely by himself, was one which could 
not be broken without a rude shock to the tenderest 
qualities of his nature. Small as the place was, com- 
parativly speaking, it contained at that time a good deal 
of wealth, and a society elegant and accomplished. 
JSTot a few of those, attracted at first by the fame of his 
eloquence to Baptist meetings, had been won by his 
arguments to Baptist principles, had become the firm 
supporters of the cause, and exemplary Christians. 
Everything, therefore, of a social character combined 
to render a residence in the little city delightful. To 
go away from it to New York, a far northern city, 
amongst a people of dift'erent habits and feelings, and a 
people of colder temperament, was to sacrifice tried 
attachments for an unknown future. But the idea of 
duty rose above every other consideration. The sign 
was not to be mistaken. The answer to prayer had 
been obtained. The finger of Providence pointed 
northward. God put it upon him as a duty, and he 
was ready even " to die at Jerusalem." 

And so he told them they must part as pastor and 
people ; perhaps part as friends who should see each other 
no more in the flesh. No one attempted to change his 
decision, or turn him back from the path he had deter- 
mined to pursue. They knew that he had taken counsel 
of God, and that flesh and blood might not prevent him 



214 LIFE OF SPENCER HOraHTON CONE. 

from pursuing what tie believed had been revealed as 
the path of duty. Sorrowfully and with many tears, 
but with unabated friendship and affection, they assisted 
him in his preparations for removal. 

When the day of separation came, they gathered 
around him as the disciples at Cesarea did around Paul, 
a weeping company. The night before, they came by 
twos and threes to the house; well-nigh the whole 
church was there, all indeed who were not hindered by 
sickness. A sadder company, or a scene harder to be 
borne by him around whom they gathered for the last 
time, could hardly be. And early on the morning of 
the next day, a number of them, both men and women, 
gathered around the stage-coach, weeping and bidding 
farewell ; but mingling with their sorrow earnest and 
united prayer for his usefulness, his happiness, and his 
success, in the new sphere of action whither he was called. 

So, borne upon the prayers of hundreds of faithful 
and loving hearts, he left the South, and came away to 
the great city of New York. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 215 



CHAPTEE XII. 

NEW YOKK 1823. 

On the 27t]i of May, 1823, lie announced his safe arri- 
val in New York to his mother. " We arpived in safety 
in this great city, the day we left Philadelphia, and 
after ten days' bustle and turmoil, and visiting and buy- 
ing, begin to feel a little settled. The friends have been 
extremely kind, and have spared no exertion to make 
our situation as comfortable as the nature of the case 
would admit. It is not possible to say yet that we feel 
at home, but there is I think, for myself a fair prospect 
of usefulness and comfort, and Sally is much better satis- 
fied than she anticipated. We live in a very quiet and 
retired part of the city." 

There is a cheery tone about this announcement, 
which shows pleasantly enough how he was disposed to 
find good in everything. All the vexation, fatigue, and 
turmoil of a change of residence, are absorbed in the 
one idea of a prospect of usefulness. 

The committee of the church had procured him a 
house about half the size of the one he had occupied in 
Alexandria ; but quite comfortable. The location was 
not desirable on any other account, except as being at 
no great distance from the meeting-house. The family, 
on their arrival in New York, consisted of the preacher 
and his wife, two children, a young woman, an orphan, 
a member of the church in Alexandria, who being 



216 LIFE OF SPEXCER nOUGHTON CONE. 

homeless bad found a shelter with them, and a colored 
girl named Mary. The latter was the nurse of the 
youngest child, and refusing to be separated from him, 
had accompanied them to the North. Two children, 
Maria Alice, and William Houghton, had been buried 
by them in Virginia; Maria in 1818 and William in 
1821. Mrs. Cone exerted herself diligently in her new 
sphere to make everything go smoothly ; and although 
placed in an unusual position, and forced to do many 
things she had never been accustomed to, succeeded so 
well that her husband never knew how much eflbrfc and 
devotion it cost to prevent the petty annoyances of daily 
existences-coming to his knowledge, and interfering with 
the grander business of his life. 

And this was the beautiful and controlling trait in 
her character as a wife. Her husband wrote upon 
her tomb, the noble epitaph, *'She was a brave and 
decided Baptist." Twinned with her devotion as a 
wife, was her sentiment of duty. The two were 
never sundered. Her husband's God was her God. 
The faith he followed was her faith. It was his to 
ride forth, clad in the whole armor of God, to do 
battle for the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. It was hers 
to smooth his path, and encourage him to the strife. So 
she kept from him everything that might worry or dis- 
tract his mind, and had a ready smile and cheery word 
for him always. Bound up and absorbed in his public 
work, he had no eyes or thought for mere matters of 
household life. In fact he was never heard to find fault 
with anything in the house in his whole life, nor ask 
why one thing was not done or set before him, instead 
of another. Simple in his tastes and very easy to please, 
it was only necessary to make him happy that others 
should seem to be happy around him. And so that dear 
wife, knowing him, as woman's love only can know, 



LIFE OF SPEXCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 217 

studied Iioiirly how she might keep all things at home 
in subservience to the great business of his life, the 
preaching of the Gospel and the advancement of the 
kingdom. Xo soand of the many-stringed instrument 
of daily life, whose thousand wires have an echo for 
every vagrant wind, was suffered to make a discord near 
him. If it refused a harmony, it was silent — ^piit away 
out of sight and hearing. Thus, a house, or what was 
in it beyond books and papers and happy faces, made 
no part of his thoughts. The routine ran on with the 
fidelity of a nice machinery. Breakfast was always on 
the table between seven and half-past seven for him; 
dinner came, as punctual as the hour, to one o'clock ; 
and tea marked half-past six with equal certainty. No 
matter what was doing or happening, the routine never 
varied. At nine o'clock when at home, or as soon as 
he returned, if engaged in public 'duties, the bell was 
rung and all the household came together in the study 
or parlor for family worship. After breakfast in the 
morning — the same. The day begun and closed with 
prayer. Either himself, or some member of the family, 
read a chapter from the Bible aloud, and then, all 
kneeling down, he offered up a prayer. And it was 
there, in the privacy of his own household, that the 
warmest, and most eloquent supplication or thanksgiving 
was poured out by him. He always seemed to feel, at 
those times, if we may say so, nearer to God than at any 
other, and approaching Him with childlike confidence, 
he sought direction, support, and comfort in all things, 
only from Him. 

Then the first thing to be done out doors was to go to 
market. That achieved, his part of household-life was 
finished. How the rest came about, or who did it, he 
had no idea, and indeed no time to inquire of 

And part of his great success in the business of the 

10 



218 LIFE OF SPENCER HOTJGHTON CONE. 

Denomination, as well as the happy uniformity of his 
mental action in public speaking — a large part in fact — 
was unmistakably owing to the freedom of his mind 
from all the petty cares of material life. He was able 
to devote his whole time and his whole mind to great 
things, great thoughts, unfettered by the littleness of 
domestic politics. " He has the Lord's work to do," was 
the idea often expressed by the true help-mate God 
blessed him with: ''That is his business in the world; 
and mine is to see that he is taken care of whilst he does 
it" — and for more than forty years he was watched and 
tended, so that he never knew what it was to be inter- 
rupted, or distracted from his work by the ordinary 
cares of home life.*^ 

The climate of the North proved too severe for the 
poor colored girl who had accompanied the family to 
New York, and during the first year of their residence 
in their new home, she was attacked with disease of the 
lungs. The disease refused to yield to medical treat- 
ment, and hasty consumption set in. In addition to the 
cares of the house, the sick girl had to be nursed by the 
two women of the family, and if she had been child or 
sister she could not have been more tenderly watched 
over. On the 24th of May, 1824, the pastor writes to 
his mother, *' Mary still lies at the point of death, and 
Sally and JSTancy having employed no help in nursing her, 
have had for six weeks past a most fatiguing time. The 
physician entertains no hope of her recovery. She is 
wasting daily away — no gleam of hope that she can be 
restored to health again ; and, poor creatux'e, she is 
entirely ignorant of her awful situation, and will not be 
convinced, either that death is at hand, or that she is 
unprepared for the solemn event. She appears to be 
entirely destitute of the knowledge of Jesus, whom to 
know is life eternal. But the will of the Lord must be 



LIFE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTON CONE. 219 

done. She seems struck with death. The doctor thinks 
she will not survive another night. Sally is worn out 
nursing, and sitting up." 

The fear of the physician was prophetic. She died 
the next day. But the messenger of death was waiting 
for a dearer victim. The mother, who had loved him so 
fondly, and who had been, in return, little short of idol- 
ized by him, was drawing near the close of a well-spent 
life. The remote cause of her death was the injuries 
received during a journey to the West. In 1817, Mrs. 
Alice Cone paid a visit to her relatives in Maysville, 
Kentucky, and spent the summer with them. Her 
mother, and her two brothers, Aaron and Joab Hough- 
ton, had removed to Kentucky at her father's death, and 
settled there. A number of the old inhabitants of Hun- 
terdon County, New Jersey, most of them cousins once 
or twice removed, or connections by marriage, of each 
other, had accompanied them ; and whilst old Hopewell 
and Princeton were still the scenes which recalled the 
memories of her youth, most that remained of the old 
familiar faces were to be seen about the newer settle- 
ments of the West, and chiefly in the neighborhood of 
Maysville. To the care of one of these relatives, Amos 
Corwine, her son Spencer's letters are generally 
directed. 

After spending some time with her mother and broth- 
ers, Mrs. Alice Cone set out on her return to Philadel- 
phia. The old-fashioned stage-coach offered, as all 
know, the only convenience of inland travel at that day. 
In crossing the mountains, a day or so's journey from 
Maysville, the stage, in which she was, overset, and she 
was seriously injured. Indeed, although she lived seven 
years after it, she never recovered from the effects of the 
injuries received, and they proved the remote cause of 
her death. The slow transmission of news from the 



220 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

western towns to the seaboard, at that time, left her son 
for a week or two ignorant of the accident. But the 
instant word came to him that his mother was lying at 
Maysville ill and crushed, he took his horse and gig, 
and drove nearly night and day to reach her. So soon 
as she was able to be moved, he brought her home in 
the gig, travelling across the mountains by the easiest 
stages, and very slowly. It was the most comfortable 
mode of land carriage known then, for the gig was one 
of the old-fashioned ones, hung upon springs, and as 
easy as a carriage could be made. Mrs. Alice Cone's 
life was saved ; the broken bones were set, and the 
wounds healed, but her frame and constitution had 
received a shock ruder than it was able to support. 
After that, she seldom attempted to take the least exer- 
cise, and usually laid, supported by pillows, on a settee. 
Her daughters gathered around her, and nursed her 
there; and whilst the others sewed, or ^attended to 
necessary ajffairs, one always sat and read aloud to her. 
Her daughter Amelia kindly furnishes us with the 
following additional particulars. 

" It was in June or August of 1818, I am not sure 
which now, that my dear mother was returning from 
Lexington, Kentucky. She had gone there to see her own 
mother, and had spent a year with her and sister Cath- 
arine. Brother Spencer lived then in Alexandria. Mrs. 
Willard, a lady from the eastern States, was also on a visit 
to Lexington, where she had accompanied her husband, 
who was in very ill health, for the sake of a milder cli- 
mate. Mr. Willard died in Lexington, hewever, and my 
mother and Mrs. Willard left, in company, to return to 
their several homes, she to New Haven, Connecticut, and 
my mother to Philadelphia. They came, in the course 
of their journey, to a place called Sideling Hill, which I 
believe lies not more than twenty miles from Bedford 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOK CONE. 221 

Springs. They were in an old-fashioned stage-coach. 
At a very steep part of the hill, the stage coach was 
overset, and the passengers tumbled with it down a 
considerable descent. In the fall, mother's head was 
dashed against the upright post, at one side of the coach- 
door, with great violence. The fall, and the dreadful 
weight which came upon her, nearly crushed her body, 
which was very slight and weak, for she had already 
been an invalid for several years. In addition to her 
bruises, she received a wound quite six inches long upon 
her forehead and head. She was carried, in a state of 
insensibility, into the nearest house .which could be 
found. It was a wagoner's hut, a kind of stopping-place 
and tavern for teamsters. There were but two rooms in 
it; one was a bar-room, and the other a room 
used for sleeping, eating, cooking and all sorts of 
purposes. Mrs. Willard remained with her, and 
waited upon her, and nursed her night and day. She lay 
in that wretched, gloomy j)lace a long while. For nine 
days her head continued to bleed more or less, so that 
she was reduced in a pitiable manner. There was no 
physician within eighteen miles of the place, and neither 
comfort nor convenience to be had. The people of the 
house, too, let them stay in it very grudgingly and unwil- 
lingly — and they had not the consolation of sympathy 
and attention even in the rudest and homeliest way. 
Mrs. Willard wrote to brother Spencer as soon as she 
could get means to do so, and with much difficulty had 
the letter dispatched to Alexandria. Brother took his 
horse and gig, and set out immediately in search of them. 
" Mrs. Willard afterward gave us an account of the 
meeting between the mother and her son. She said it 
was the most touching scene she ever witnessed, and 
that she never could forget the pathos of his simple words. 
^ My mother ! my mother !' 



222 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

'' After a while they got mother up, and put her in 
the gig. Mrs. Willard sat beside her, and held her arms 
around her, to save her a little from the shocks and jolt- 
ing of a rough road. Brother tied his large silk-hand- 
kerchief across in front of them, and made it so that she 
could hold on by it, or lean against it and save herself 
from falling forwards. And brother walked at the 
horse's head and led him. The roads were rough and 
muddy. In some places the mud was so deep as to be 
almost impassable, and the horse could hardly drag 
them through it. When they could find a house, for 
the country was very thinly settled then, and the houses 
scarce and far apart, they stopped and got w^hat they 
could to eat and drink. And so dear brother brought 
those two precious women to Joseph's house in Balti- 
more; walking himself at the horse's head, and many 
times through mud almost kneed- eep, all the way from 
near Bedford Springs in Kentucky to the city of Balti- 
more. 

" My dear mother was attacked awhile after with 
partial paralysis. We watched her slowly sinking with 
agonized hearts. Sister Catharine came from Lexing- 
ton to see her before she died ; but poor Kitty died first 
herself. Although mother was frequently attacked, she 
would rally again and seem partially to recover. She 
articulated with difficulty, but she never lost her mind, 
which was a great joy to us. 

" God in His goodness kept her with us thus until the 
year 1824. She was always sensible and reasonable. 
Martha and I were with her all the time night and day. 
Once I remember seeing her look very sad and disheart- 
ened, and I said ' Dear mother, what is the matter V 

" ' Oh,' she replied, ' I am a great sinner.' 

" ' Why, dear mother,' I said, ' I never see you 
sin.' 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 223 

'^ ' Ah,' slie said, ^ I know — I know what I am.' 

" Shortly after that she had a dreadfully distressing 
night, and about ten o'clock in the morning of the third 
of June, she said, ' Lay me on the bed.' She had been 
lying on the sofa. ' Lay me on the bed, and take the 
pillows away. Give me some drink.' "We hastened to 
obey. Sister said, ' She is dying.' 

" She heard us cry. I was on one side of the bed, 
and Martha at the other. She heard our sobs; she 
turned her head, first to one side, and then to the other, 
and said, smiling sweetly — ' What, crying for me, chil- 
dren! ' It was as if she had said, 'What, crying for 
my happy release !' 

" I remembered how sad she had been, and. went to 
the foot of the bed and looked in her face, and said, 
' Mother are you happy ?' 

" She understood me. Her mind was clear even in 
death. She said, 'Yes ! yes !' Then she gazed upwards, 
and seemed to be looking exultingly away into eternity; 
gasped three times, but made no struggle, and her 
blessed spirit was with her God." 

And so, on the 3rd of June, 1824, she passed peace- 
fully away to the better land, where there are neither 
wounded bodies, nor wounded spirits. Out of a family 
of four daughters and two sons, she had lived to see all 
but one daughter converted men and women, and mem- 
bers of the visible Church of Christ. She was a 
preacher, and a daily example of righteousness to her 
family ; and see how God blessed her preaching and her 
life. He rewarded her even in this world, for He made 
her household, a household of faith. And who can 

paint, 

' Unless to mortal it were given 
To dip the brush in dyes of Heaven," 

her happiness in that other world, when standing with 



224 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON COJSTE. 

them, in the presence of her Saviour, she could say, 
'^ Behold, Lord, I, and the children Thou hast given 
me !" 

On the 5th of June, 1824, her Spencer writes, " Dear 
Sisters : Amelia's letter was received last evening ; so 
that I could not possibly reach Philadelphia until too 
late, by a day, to accompany you in the sad procession. 
Th^ blow so long anticipated has fallen, and in the holy 
and unerring providence of God, we are deprived of the 
dearest — the best of mothers. It is true, that years ago 
we did not expect the Lord would have lent her to us 
until this period, and yet, even now, when he has taken 
her to himself, it is hard to say, ' Thy will be done.' 
But oh, what cause have we to bless the high and lofty 
One, for His kind dealings towards our beloved mother ! 
So much comfort of mind, and so little agony of body in 
her last hours ; and then what consolation is afforded 
us. We sorrow not as those who have no hope. Our 
mother is gone to the precious Jesus. She has joined 
the ransomed throng, to celebrate His praises in the 
world of glory, and it is not wrong, I hope, to believe 
that our dear sisters welcomed their mother to that 
happy world, where sin and sorrow can never come. 
Should we not then, instead of mourning, or repining, 
or wishing it otherwise, bless the Lord, that after all the 
pains, and trials, and sore afflictions, which she had to 
pass through on earth. 

He sweetly kissed her soul away, 
And laid her flesh to rest. 

^'We have now one tie less to earth, and it has been a 
mercy, and a great condescension to our weakness, that 
the Master has been cutting that tie for years. May the 
orphans' Father be with you and comfort you ! Our 
mother is a glorified spirit in Heaven — released from 



LIFE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTOi^ CONE. 225 

her prison of claj, and escaped from the body of sin, 
and of death, under which for many long years she 
groaned being burdened. We ought not to weep for 
her immoderately, or mourn after her, complaining of 
her loss. Had our dear mother, after years of parental 
tenderness and patience, and undeviating fidelity 
towards her children, been snatched away without a 
hope in Christ, oh, how should we have wept ! Our 
mourning might have been like the grief of David, at 
the untimely death of Absalom, but since the Lord has 
given us abundant proof that he has taken her to that 
happy country, where sin, and pain, and sorrow, never 
come, oh, let us say, ' The Lord gave, and the Lord 
hath taken away ! blessed be the name of the Lord !' " 

The privilege of smoothing her pillow in her sickness ; 
of hearing her last words ; of catching the last look of love, 
that deep, unalterable love, which had filled her heart 
from the hour she first strained him to her bosom ; even 
the mournful satisfaction of following her body of clay to 
its long home, were denied him. The multiplied engage- 
ments and anxieties of his new charge ; sickness in his 
family, restricted means, and the difficulties of commun- 
ication between New York and Philadelphia, kept him 
from her. No apprehension of immediate danger, either, 
had been entertained. Her sickness had weakened her so 
gradually, the fire had burned out so slowly, that those 
who were with her all the day long, had scarcely per- 
ceived a change for the worse. An invalid for years, 
the fear of her death had long given place to the anxi- 
ety of her children, to console, and amuse the tedious 
hours of inaction, and confinement to a sick-room. 
But the Good Physician came at last, silently, and 
imexpectedly, with the sweet opiate of death, and 
as she fell asleep, took her away from the sick-room, 
where Martha and Amelia nursed her, and carried her 

10^ 



226 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

to the Heavenly gardens, where Catharine and Eliza, 
her happier children, were w^aiting to receive her. So 
died Alice Cone, an enlightened and unwavering Bap- 
tist ; a worthy mother of a worthy son. 

Wonderfully, but in a simple and natural way, God 
through her w^rought in making him what he was. 
Sorrows and trials, day by day and year by year, assayed 
him, until' a character originally strong and good was 
refined in the furnace of affliction, and made as pure as 
sinful man may be this side the grave. He had been 
always giving, and so grew to wonder at and pity sordid 
souls who were strangers to the blessed feeling that 
touches the soul w^hen generous emotions move it. 

In the midst of all these domestic trials, God consoled 
him by permitting him to see that his work was prosper- 
ing in his hands. His preaching had great success. 
Crowds flocked to Oliver street meeting-house, and from 
a place knowm, comparatively speaking, only to its 
members and co-religionists in the city, it became one 
of the points of public attraction for citizens and 
strangers of all denominations. Yet he made no effort ; 
no display. No public notice was given of the exercises 
except from his own pulpit. He conceded nothing to 
the passion or prejudice of the day. His preaching was 
plain, experimental, evangelical. The more the crowd 
of strangers flocked to hear him, the plainer he grew, 
divesting his style of everything like rhetorical ornament 
and bending all the powers of his mind to tell them in 
the plainest English, the story of the Cross. And that 
was the wonderful charm. So when the young pastor, 
standing, for the first years of his labors, in the great 
city of New York, in the midst of a changing and 
frivolous crowd of seekers after pleasure, money, 
novelty, excitement — anything that promised variety 
and new sensations — saw them tlirong around his pulpit 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 227 

— ^like Paul among the Athenians, he preached^ the 
Saviour of sinnei-s. His^ zeal and enthusiasm found vent 
in no ornate diction ; in no elaborate sentences ; in no 
nice autopsy of motive; in no magnificence of illustration, 
display of erudition, or trick of rhetoric ; but it beamed 
in his eyes; it gushed and quivered in his voice; it 
echoed in terror the thunderings of Sinai ; it hung on 
every tender solicitation ; it formed for itself every 
graceful or majestic gesture; it burned and glittered 
along every word that dropped like the molten gold — 
it was true to nature, to man, to God ! It was the 
glorious Gospel of the blessed God, preached with that 
simplicity and singleness of heart, which is an inspira- 
tion of His Spirit, and it had free course and was 
glorified. 

The glowing pen and warmer heart of Rev. Richard 
Fuller of Baltimore, one of the most eloquent and 
evangelical preachers in America, has recorded for us 
how strongly these characteristics both of his manner 
and his matter impressed themselves upon the minds 
and hearts of those who heard him. "Writing to us, 
January 22d, 1856, he says, "IsTothing would be easier 
than to compose an eulogium on one who was, for so 
manj years, ' a burning and a shining light ;' but all 
who knew him must feel that studied encomiums, and 
panegyrics, ought to have no place in a memoir of his 
character and life. He never sought praise from men. 
His entire conduct shows that, at the Cross of Jesus, 
and on the altar of stern duty, he immolated everything 
like a passion for distinction. Pre-eminence he did 
have ; but I have known few men so pure from the 
spirit of Diotrephes. 

" When some one spoke of Garrick as a vain man, 
Dr. Johnson said — ' No, sir, Garrick is not a vain man. 
If I were as popular as Garrick is, I would, whenever I 



228 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

walk out, hire half a dozen stout fellows to go before 
me, with long poles, and knock down everybody in the 
way. No, sir, Garrick is not a vain man.' 

'Tew ministers of the Gospel ever enjoyed such 
popularity as your father's. It has been said that he 
was ambitious, but who among those who bring this 
charge could have borne such faculties and such 
applause so unostentatiously ? 

" He was enriched with every gift which can win 
golden opinions. His eloquence, his fire-souled glowing 
piety, his commanding presence, caused crowds to hang 
upon his lips whenever he preached. The world 
admired him. The denomination delighted to honor 
him. And yet, in all his course, it was manifest that 
he sought only the honor which comes from God ; and 
that, unshrinkingly faithful to his convictions, he was 
always superior alike to censure and applause. 

" When I became identified with the Baptists, I, of 
course, heard much of Spencer H. Cone, especially of 
his oratorical powers and accomplishments. Absorbed 
with the simple glory of the Atonement, having just 
come from the arena of forensic displays, into the 
pulpit, I had then (I need not say I have now in an 
intense degree), an abhorrence for those flowers, those 
rhetorical flourishes, that ' excellency of man's speech 
and wisdom,' which I had witnessed and heard extolled 
in men called ' pulpit orators,' and which so tarnish and 
degrade the real glory of the Gospel — the truth as it is 
in Jesus. I met your father first in Kichmond. He 
was to preach the Convention sermon ; and, as I found 
ministers and people ex]3ecting great things, I feared I 
might have again to endure pompous, and florid, and 
frothy declamation. I need not tell you how delightful 
was my disappointment. His appearance — so simple 
and earnest^ his voice — so sweet and magnificent, his 



LITE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTON CONE. 229 

v^^hole discourse, in wHicli there was utter self-obliyion, 
and through, every word ^ of which there breathed and 
burned such adoring love for Jesus — all this I remember 
as if it had been yesterday, and all this bound my soul 
to his. He sat with me, two days afterwards, when I 
preached on Sunday morning; and we left that Conven- 
tion, feeling for each other affinities which Christians 
only can know, and which eternity, I humbly trust, will 
perfect and perpetuate. 

" I met him but twice again. We were together at 
the subsequent conventions in Baltimore and New 
York. The more I knew him, the more did I admire 
the sincerity, warmth, and purity of his character. 
Splendid as was his eloquence, it was one of his inferior 
endowments. Deep-toned piety, a consecration which 
led him to regard himself as a perpetual sacrifice on the 
great altar of the Redeemer's Kingdom, indefatigable 
fidelity to duty, a moral courage which never quailed 
before opposition or danger, a heart true, tender, and 
most affectionate, above all, a glorious loyalty to Christ 
and His cause — these seemed to me the great things in 
this great and good man. These Christian graces were 
admired by all who knew your noble father. 

" It will be no easy matter to fill the sphere he has 
vacated, but God can raise up those who will stand in 
his place. Of course I do not believe in a transmitted 
piety, but such men cease not to live on earth, though 
they die. Though dead they speak, speak with deeper 
emphasis because dead. The grave does not impair, it 
consecrates their power ; such examples are not given 
us to be forgotten. At home his memory must be 
fragrant of all tender, and generous, and holy influences." 

It is a subject of much regret that scarcely a record 
of his sermons exists. Delivered wholly extempora- 
neously, and without even what are called head-notes, 



230 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

tliey live only in the memory of those who heard 
them. 

The great and decisive reason for his leaving Alexandria, 
and settlino; in New York, had been to secnre the means 
and opportunity for more strennons and effectual effort in 
the canse of missions and the Bible. His first acquaint- 
ance witli New York impressed him with the idea that 
it was the business centre of the Union, and as such, 
imperatively demanded to be operated in as the business 
centre, also, of those benevolent efforts, to carry out 
which to successful results large pecuniary means are 
necessary. The Southern brethren were warm-hearted, 
generous, and zealous for the faith, but too much scattered, 
few of the churches wealthy, and none of the Southern 
cities capable of offering the advantages of concentration, 
and rapid communication with the whole world. And 
already his mind had adopted the idea he afterwards 
bore as the motto on his shield. " The field is the 
world." New York alone, of all the cities of the Western 
World, combined in it all the capabilities for extensive 
action in benevolent effort. Endowed by nature with 
many of the qualities of a general, he recognized the 
necessity of assuming the best geographical position, and 
the one commanding the approaches to the object of 
attack. 

It was his conviction that the system of Baptist doc- 
trine and church goveiTiment was the only pure and 
scriptural form of faith and practice ; that from its fea- 
tures of independency, the pure and simple democracy 
developed in its whole plan of religious association — it was 
peculiarly adapted to the genius of the United States 
of America, and needed only to go boldlj^ forward, and 
to rely on God for a success far greater than it had ever 
yet achieved. To reach this point of moral power and 
grandeur, unity of effort must be secured — not by sacri- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 231 

ficing a grain of the independence of the churches — but 
by operating on the head^ and hearts of their members, 
that they might see eye to eye, and comprehending the 
vast importance of common effort, in the common canse of 
man's salvation, move forward shoulder to shoulder, like 
an army with banners — a great host united in aim, 
and hope, and effort. This was not a work to be accom- 
plished in a year, or ten years. It was the work of a 
lifetime ; and one to which all the powers of body and 
mind must be bent without relaxation. The hand that 
w^as put to such a plough must never grow weary ; nor 
the laborer dare ever to look back and sigh over the 
lengthening furrow. It was also a slow and toilsome 
work, and had many obstacles to encounter. The spirit 
of missions w^as far from universal. Many churches 
were wholly without it. Many good Baptist preachers 
were so straight in the faith as to lean backward a little, 
and doubt even whether it were their duty to preach to 
sinners. The first association of churches with which he 
was connected, in Maryland and the District of Columbia, 
was decidedly anti-mission. 

A system, therefore, was to be devised — ^prejudices 
overcome — unity of effort secured — resources created — 
a plan pursued, by which the force, and moral as 
well as pecuniary resources of Baptists in the United 
States, as a denomination brought to bear upon the 
w^orld, at home and abroad. There was, it is true, much 
and valuable material to work with ; many churches 
were engaged warmly in the cause of missions. Many 
thousand Baptists were filled with the spirit of Christian 
benevolence, and comprehended the advantages of 
united effort ; but the denomination, although numbering 
its millions of adherents in the United States, had not 
yet begun to exert a force, or command an influence 
upon public opinion, commensurate with its numbers and 



232 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

the intrinsic value of its principles. To bring about a 
state of affairs in which it should do so, was the consist- 
ent effort of his religious life. Writing to Dr. Bolles in 
March, 1828, he says, " The time for more vigorous action 
and benevolence, than has hitherto characterized our 
denominational career, has indeed come. "^ "^ "^ When 
I look over the map of the world, then read the 
Saviour's command — ' Preach the Gospel to every crea- 
ture — and then think of the number and wealth of 
American Baptists, I am constrained to say we have 
done nothing ! nothing, compared with what we ought 
to have done. -^ ^ ^ What cannot be accomplished in 
one day, must be attempted in another. Each little 
fountain must be induced to send forth its rill, and each 
rill carefully conducted to the general reservoir, and 
then with God's gracious aid we can and must do. ' The 
time is short.' Who dare stand idle all the day?" 

This controlling thought of the shortness of the time 
and the vastness of the work to be accomplished, forbad 
him ever to be idle. 

Let the present position of Baptists in the United States, 
clearly occupying no mean place in the van of the Chris- 
tian army, in all benevolent effort and successfully prosecu- 
ting the most extensive enterprises for the evangelization 
of the world, attest the value of his services, and the wis- 
dom of his combinations. For more than thirty years 
second to none in the influence he exercised over the 
denomination, he labored to perfect all the details of 
the system, the workings of which have had such honora- 
ble and beneficial results. 

It is remarkable, that whilst meditating such 
extensive designs, and engaged in such constant execu- 
tive labor, he never neglected, or subordinated to any- 
thing, however great or far-reaching, his business and 
duty as the pastor of a church. He not only preached 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOlSr CONE. 233 

constantly, but often almost daily to liis flock, and like a 
true shepherd, was acquainted with the state and charac- 
ter of all who composed it. He was their companion, 
adviser, and friend. It was a part of that true system lie 
aimed to develop in every quarter of tlie globe. Every 
Missionary, Sunday-school, Tract, Education, and Bible 
Society, was, in his eyes, only a means for founding inde- 
pendent and happy churches. They were the seed to be 
sown, and watered with care, looking to God for the 
increase. The further that seed could be scattered, the 
wider it could be sown, the better. But as the ultimate 
object was the founding of happy churches, churches 
built up in their most holy faith, after the primitive and 
apostolic model, the corner-stone, the foundation of the 
great building, must be happy, united, faithful, and 
and faithfully ministered to churches at home. There- 
fore, he watched with a jealous and sleepless care, the 
state and character of his own particular charge, and went 
in and out before them daily, to minister the Word of 
life. 

The germ of associated effort already existed in 1813. 
Judson, Gary, and Eice, had written to Drs. Baldwin, 
Staughton, and others, urging the formation of a Baptist 
Missionary Society, and the result of their urgent solici- 
tations was the formation of the "Baptist Society for 
propagating the Gospel in India, and other foreign 
parts." 

On the 18th of May, in the following year, a meeting 
of pastors of Baptist churches from various parts of the 
Union, assembled in Philadelphia. Their purpose, as 
appears by their minutes, was " To organize a plan for 
eliciting, combining, and directing the energies of the 
whole denomination in one sacred effort, for sending the 
glad-tidings of salvation to the heathen, and nations 
destitute of pure Gospel light." This meeting resulted 



OO 



i LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 



in tlie organization of the Baptist Triennial Convention 
in 1814; a body wliicli continued to grow in weight and 
importance, and tlie labors of wliich were singularly 
blessed for many subsequent years. 

Mr. Cone was not a member of the body at its organ- 
ization, but in 18ir, almost at the very outset of his 
career as a preacher, he was elected a member of the 
Board of Managers, and from that day until his death, 
he held some important office in the institution. 

He seized eagerly upon this opening ; he recognized 
the power and beauty of the plan which might be car- 
ried out, and devoted his best energies to its accomplish- 
ment. 

In less than two years after his coming to Oliver 
street, by his preaching, and conversation in pastoral 
visits, he excited the attention and enlisted the sympa- 
thies of a majority of the church in the cause of missions, 
as he had previously done in Alexandria. The effect 
was very soon apparent, and on the ITth of October, 
1825, the Oliver street Baptist Foreign Mission 
Society was regularly organized by the adoption of a 
constitution, and the election of Thomas Garniss, presi- 
dent, Leonard Bleecker, vice; Spencer H. Cone, secre- 
tary, and Joshua Gilbert, treasurer. Into what the 
society grew, and the extent of the contributions of that 
church, under the influence of his ministry, to the 
benevolent efforts of the denomination, history has 
already recorded. It is perfectly fair to say that he 
raised during his ministry, and by his direct appeals to 
the hearts and consciences of Baptists, and by his 
unwearied exertions, more money for the cause of mis- 
sions, education, Bibles, and every other form of benev- 
olent effort, than any other pastor in the denomination. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOlSr CONE. 235 



CHAPTEE XIIL 

1823 TO 1830. 

In 1824, lie republished " The history of the Christian 
chnrch, from the birth of Christ to the 18th century, 
including a very interesting account of the Waldenses 
and Albigenses, by William Jones of London — author 
of the Biblical Cyclopedia, etc." The enterprise was an 
unfortunate one. Rich in historical research as it was, 
and dear as it must ever be to Baptists from its clear 
and able vindication of the character of their churches in 
France and Piedmont, the sale failed to pay the 
expenses of the publication. Several causes concurred 
in this unhappy result. The work was issued in two 
volumes at the price of five dollars. It no sooner 
threatened to become popular and saleable, than cheap 
editions were issued, and the market entirely forestalled. 
Thus the book remained dead upon his hands, and the 
expenses of publication involved him for many years in 
pecuniary embarrassments, which straitened his means 
painfully, and filled his mind with constant and haras- 
ing anxiety. He was as constantly consoled, however, 
by the idea that, although he suffered, others reaped 
good fruit, and the work of the Lord was magnified; 
since the cheap editions, which destroyed his chances of 
remuneration as an editor and publisher, disseminated, 
even more widely than he could have hoped to do, a cor- 
rect history of the denomination, and spread their story 
who 



^00 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

" Kept the faith so pure of old, 
When all our fathers worshipped stocks and stones ; 
Who were God's sheep, and in their ancient fold 
Slain by the bloody Piedmontese, that rolled 
Mother with infant down the rooks." 

Disappointment, however, never long oppressed his 
elastic spirit. He strove very earnestly to do every- ^ 
thing with an eye single to the glory of God ; and 
having done his best manfully and prayerfully, he left 
all the result with God. All, every part and particle he ! 
lett there. He was accustomed to say, that all that was 
given us to keep or work with, was to be used after the '■ 
best wisdom of this world, and the best light Heaven 
would give us in answer to humble and hopeful prayer- 
but the future, God alone knew it, and with Him it was 
safe. It was a happiness with him, to have a trust in 
God which never wavered. He could never be pushed 
by any circumstance of misfortune or disappointment, to 
take a gloomy or doubting view of the future " Chil- 
dren," he would say, " I know in whom I have believed, 
and He is able to keep all that I have committed to 
ilim ; and if I have kept anything back from Him 
1 pray for pardon ; I pray that it may be taken from me 
1 own nothing ; I am nothing, only as my Lord and 
Master condescends to use me. He will help me to do 
all the work He has for me to do in this world, and when 
that is done, He will take me home." Ofteh his own 
family, with pardonable affection for himself, wished 
Inm a little of that worldly wisdom, the principal 
ingredient of which is selfishness, but he could never 
learn it. When a great object was to be compassed, he 
was wonderfully astute, and seemed to "Know all qual- 
ities of human dealings," and human beings, " with a 
learned spirit;" hardly ever failing, almost at a glance, 
to take in the character or calibre of any man, great or 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 237 

small, with whom he had to do. But in any matter of 
mere personal concern, he was as innocent and nnsns- 
pecting as a child. He never believed any one meant 
to wrong, or hurt him, until the conviction was forced 
upon his mind by some act, or series of acts, not to 
\ be explained on any kind or generous hypothesis. And 
. if you could show him that all the world was against 
i him, and eager to do its worst, it never disturbed the 
j serenity of his confidence in God's protection. To 
i matters of worldly concern he could seldom be aroused. 
j He disliked thinking of them. They interfered with 
i better thoughts. And when driven for a moment to 
consider them, he always broke away with the exclam- 
ation, '' Ah, well, Providence knows better what we 
need than we do ourselves. Providence w^ill take care 
of us all. We'll leave it there." And in a second 
he would forget all about it, no matter how grave, and 
go away into his own region of plans and purposes for 
sending out missionaries, or making Bibles. 

He was simply the most enviable man of his time, for 
no man or circumstance could ever keep him long 
enough thinking of himself to grow a whit discontented. 
" Heart within, and God o'erhead," was his principle ; 
and always to be doing something in his Master's work, 
his habit. There he found an instant refuge and shelter 
from every storm of fortune. 

Much of this character of mind resulted from his 
experience in his mother's family. The gracious Provi- 
dence which had fed them in time of great dearth, and 
raised up good friends in strange places ; and then had 
gathered them all, as it were, into a little household 
church of one faith, where the interchange of fraternal 
and filial aff'ection was hallowed by the presence among 
them of their elder Brother and Saviour, put away a 



238 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

worldly temper of the mind, and fostered a heavenly 
one. 

So, writing to his (Jear sisters after their mother had 
gone away to the better land, he says — " Our family 
has been highly favored of the Lord, and for those who 
have gone before, we are permitted to say with Paul, 
' We sorrow not as those who have no hope.' We have 
reason to believe that they have gone to that land of 
promise, where parting is no more, and where sin and 
misery shall never for a moment be permitted to intrude. 
To enter that land will be happiness enough for men of 
mortal mould, under any circumstances ; but there is 
unquestionably, while we are here^ great comfort in con- 
templating the religion of Christ as a family concern ; 
in looking upon parents, and brothers, and sisters, in the 
flesh, ' as heirs together of the grace of life.' When 
those who are thus bound together by the ties of nature 
are also lovers of our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and 
truth, it^gives to friendship its holiest feature, its tender- 
est chord, its most permanent character. If this world 
be indeed a wilderness, without friendshvp — if an 
infidel philosopher could say, ^Banish me where you 
please, only let m.j friend go with me, and I'm content — ' 
oh, how unspeakably glorious that flame of heavenly 
love which leads us, like favored John, to recline our 
heads upon the bosom of that Friend who sticketh closer 
than a brother — which imparts to us one commou salva- 
tion — directs us to the same altar — animates us with the 
same prospects, and makes us, even on earth, helpers of 
each other's faith, and hope, and peace, and joy. 

" ' Oil, for this love, let rocks and hills, 
Their lasting silence break ; 
And all hanuonious humaji tongues, 
Tlie Saviour's praises speak!' 



LIFE OF SPEJ^CER HOUGHTOI!^- CONE. 239 

"There is, perhaps, no point in this world when 
family religion affords such soul-thrilling consolation, 
as when death is approaching. The separation of 
beloved friends will be painful, it is true — tears will 
flow. At the grave of Lazarus, ' Jesus wept.' But 
these tears are soon wiped away with the reflection — • 
' they are not dead, but gone before ! We shall soon 
meet again, where there is no death, and where not an 
inhabitant shall ever say, ^ I am sick.' 

" ' The Christian's soul death cannot reach, 
l^Tor rend from Christ away ; 
Though o'er the mouldering dust it boasts 
The triumph of a day !' 

" But are we called to part without a hope in Christ ? 
Oh! what dying looks! they seem to say — farewell 
for ever ! We must not meet again ! From such a 
family scene^ O Lord, preserve us ever. 

" We have entered upon a new ye%r (1827), and it is 
the fashion here to say, ^many happy returns of it." 
Our years whether few or many^ if they be only spent 
in the service of the best of Masters, we may bid them 
speed their flight. 

" ' By day, hy night, at home, ahroad, 
Still we are guarded hy our^God ; 
The opening year his mercy shows, 
May mercy crown it till it close.' " 

About this time he also published a small work called 
the '' Backslider." The sale, we believe, very nearly 
covered the cost of the production. 

After his settlement in Oliver street, Mr. Williams's 
health and strength continued gradually failing, and on 
the 22d of May, 1825, he was gathered home. Among 



240 LIFE OF SPENCER HOrGHTON CONE. 

Mr. Cone's papers we find a slip containing the follow- 
ing memoranda : 

" John Williams born at PlasUecheiddior, a farm 
which had for many generations been the homestead of 
his family, Carnarvonshire, North Wales. Early exer- 
cised about divine things. In the 19th year of his age 
made public profession among the Independents, and 
joined the church under the pastoral care of Dr. Lewis, of 
whose ministry he always spoke in terms of the highest 
commendation. His mind soon troubled concerning 
Baptism ; 1 Cor. xv. 29 staggered him. Dr. Lewis con- 
fessed it had some reference to burial and resurrection. 
All this resulted in his being baptized, in the 21st year 
of his age, and uniting with the Baptist church of 
Horeb, Carnarvonshire. This church, consisting of one 
hundred and forty members, called him to take charge 
of them. He consented, and travelled and collected 
enough to build two meeting-houses for the church. 
July 25th, 1795, l^ded in New York. Preached in 
Welch about one year. Afterwards part in Welch and 
part in English. 

" April, 1797 — visited Pennsylvania. 

"August 28th, 1798. At their unanimous request, 
became a member, and accepted pastoral care of the 
church in Fayette street, now Oliver street, having pre- 
viously preached nine months on trial. 

" Thirty names on church-book. Ten had removed — 
only twenty living in New York. Meeting-house 
thirty feet square — benches — no galleries. 

" January, 1799 — pews substituted and gallery raised. 

" August 4:th. Thomas Hewitt baptized. 

" October 29th. John Cauldwell and wife received. 

" 1800. Meeting-house enlarged to 60 by 43 feet. 

" 1801. June 1st, John Withington and wife received. 

" 1819. Meeting-house rebuilt, 64 by 94 feet. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 241 

^' Present niiniber of members (182-) 580. 
^'Baptized near 600." 

The same paper contains also the following heads of 
the funeral discourse preached by him at Mr. William's 
death. We copy it, as it appears to have been the only 
occasion upon which he deviated from his usual prac- 
tice of carrying his notes in his head, and put a skeleton 
upon paper. The paper, we believe^ was not carried 
into the pulpit. He was evidently impressed with it 
as being a momentous epoch in his experience as a 
preacher. 

^"Faithful servant depart in peace. Lord now lettest 
Thou.'— Luke ii. 29. 

"Occasion of the discourse. — ^The death of Elder Jno. 
Williams. Opposed to funeral discourses generally — 
this a proper exception. Promise to Simeon fulfilled. 
'Lettest Thou.' A prayer expressing great desire to 
be with Christ, or ' Thou lettest.' God is faithful to 
His Word. My work is done. I have seen Thy salvation. 
Thou dost release me from earth according to thy Word. 

" Division of discourse. — 1. Character of a servant. 2. 
Privilege of a servant. 

"All by nature servants of sin : by Grace made serv- 
ants of Christ. 

"1. Bought with a price. 2. Clothed upon with his 
righteousness, 3. Reconciled to His service. 4. Fed by 
His bread. 5. Obedient to His law\ 6. Do His work. 
A faithful servant. An humble servant. An affection- 
ate servant. A successful servant. 

" Privileges : — 

" 1. To be at peace with God. 2. To preach peace 
through Christ. 3. To make peace in Zion. 4. To 
enjoy peace of soul. 5. To depart in peace !" 

From the day of his settlement in New York, he 

11 



24:2 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 

entered with increasing zeal upon a scene of varied and 
multiplied duties, which nothing but a remarkable 
physical constitution, and the best habits of business 
regularity and order, could enable a single man to 
accomplish. Seizing the laboring oar in every benevo- 
lent society, with which he became connected, and few 
were absent from his list, he put all his strength to it, 
and pulled with equal alacrity, in storm and sunshine, 
whether upon a summer sea, or when the waves ran 
mountain high. He never seemed to feel fatigued, or 
desirous of an hour's rest. Idleness was impossible. He 
rarely sat down, even in the house. He conned over 
and arranged in his mind, sermon, lecture, or address, 
as he walked along the street, turning it over and over 
with himself, sometimes mentally, sometimes half audi- 
bly, unconscious of where he was, and totally abstracted 
from all that was going on about him. Thus he was 
never unprepared, and no emergency could take him at 
a disadvantage. Knowledge drawn from books, obser- 
vation, conversation, principles, objects, were all clearly 
defined and laid down in his mind as in a book, and the 
moment the occasion demanded it, he simply rose and 
read, as it were, a chapter long digested and arranged. 
Circumstances of public excitement merely warmed Jiis 
mind to a poetic coloring, and added strength of expres- 
sion. Facts, dates, anecdote, principles were all set in 
order and ready beforehand. The certainty and useful- 
ness of this system of mental training will aj^pear, from 
a little sketch of his advice to young preachers with 
which we have been favored, and which will form the 
subject of another chapter. About this time the Lord 
had in store for him an additional trial. His only 
brother Joseph fell ill. The malady which had already 
made such havoc in the family, appeared to have 
selected, in him, another victim. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 243 

Nov. SSz^A, 1830. — Mr. Cone writes to their sisters, 
" I wrote to Joseph by Brother Gray. An hour ago I 
had the comfort of conversing with Brother Wilson, 
who saw him on Wednesday evening. He tells me that 
the physicians entertain but little hope of his recovery, 
but Brother Wilson thinks he is by no means so low as 
he was himself last spring ; and is under the impression 
that a trip to the South might be greatly beneficial. 
Brother Wilson expects to leave here about the 10th of 
December, and wishes Joseph to accompany him. 

" It is very difficult for me to leave home. Every day 
Drings with it a press of business, from which I can only 
retire when necessity compels. I hope Joseph may be 
spared a little longer, if it be the Master's will, and if a 
journey to the South be deemed advisable, I will 
endeavor to make a way for the experiment. May the 
Lord prepare us for what may yet await us in Provi- 
dence. Our way has already been somewhat rough to 
our feet, and it is more than probable that additional 
troubles will be necessary to wean us from earth. May 
we find it good to be afflicted.'' 

Joseph was his only brother, and much younger than 
himself. He had given him a sterling education, and 
had intended to fit him for some one of the learned 
professions ; but an early passion for art frustrated the 
design. 

His taste for art turned his mind towards engraving 
as the readiest means of at once satisfying a passion, and 
earning a living. It was found useless to oppose him 
and he became an engraver. He settled in Baltimore, 
after he entered upon his profession, and married there 
Miss Mary Ann DiflTendaflfer. Twp sons and four 
daughters were the fruit of their union. 

He was happily converted, and joined the Baptist 
church in Philadelphia before his brother Spencer. The 



24:4 LITE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

brothers possessed a good deal of similarity. His man- 
ners were mild and pleasing, and his general reading 
and information large and elegant. His gentle disposi- 
tion, and quiet humor made him a delightful companion, 
and much sought after in society. Some time after his 
settlement in Baltimore the church licensed him to 
preach, and his talents as a public speaker were of a 
high order. His brother's greatness in that way, how- 
ever, always acted as a check upon him, and indisposed 
him to frequent effort. He referred his holding back to 
a thousand causes, and persuaded himself that they were 
a sufficient excuse, but it was evident that dissatisfaction 
with his own efforts was the real reason. Endowed w^ith 
a mind essentially artistic, he admired his brother's 
larger capacities enthusiastically, and by comparison cri- 
ticised his own too closely. He often told a pleasant 
anecdote of his experience as a preacher in Yirginia. 
Making a tour through that State, for the sake of 
his health, which had been threatened by serious 
dyspeptic symptoms, the result of too close application 
to the graver, he went armed with letters of introduc- 
tion from his brother to the principal people of the 
denomination. He announced his name, and was received 
with open arms. Presented his letters — they were read, 
and the recipients grasping his hand with more than com- 
mon warmth of hospitality, as if to make up for their 
words, usually said — " Mr. Joseph Cone, we're very 
glad to see you amongst us ; but we wish it had been 
Spencer !" — Joseph's eyes w^ould twinkle with fun as he 
told it, and he vowed -Spencer should never write him 
another set of introductory letters. 

Joseph Cone sp^nt the winter of 1829 in South Caro- 
lina. Writing from Charleston, he says, '' Brother 
Manly urges me strongly to give myself wholly to the 
ministry, and be in Charleston the second Lord's-day 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 245 

in December, when the State Convention will be held, 
and when I shall probably be directed at once into some 
interesting field of labor. Among other destitute 
churches, he mentions that of Columbia. Weak as I am, 
the Lord still holds me up to do a hard day's work. As 
a preacher of the Gospel I do not at present feel it my 
duty to go to one place more than another. The only 
question, therefore, that requires an answer is this : Does 
my health demand a change of climate ? Were my 
desires to promote the Kedeemer's kingdom among men 
(alas ! how faint and few), much stronger and more fre- 
quent than they are, I should doubtless, while confined 
to secular affairs, feel more unhappy than I do. But I 
am yet far from being convinced that I would be justi- 
fied in entirely abandoning them. I beg you, however, 
to try and submit the case to your own judgment — apart 
from what appear to be my convictions of duty. If you 
say go, I'll go willingly and cheerfully, in the humble 
hope that the presence of the Lord will go with me, and 
that I shall find, by happy experience, that ' He giveth 
power to the faint, and to them that have no might He 
increaseth strength.' " 

Providence, however, had appointed him an early 
release from the cares of earth. He never had an oppor- 
tunity of dedicating himself wholly to the preaching of 
the Gospel. His health grew very rapidly feebler ; and 
in the latter part of 1830, he sailed from New York to St. 
Augustine, to try the possible benefit of that mild and 
salubrious climate. He was accompanied by James 
Wilson, one of the deacons of Oliver street church, 
whose kind and constant care consoled him to the last. 
The disease was not to be stayed ; it had struck home, 
and he expired on the 4th of January, 1831. His last 
hours were happy and peaceful. He went home full 



246 LIFE OF SPETTCER HOXTGHTON CONE. 

of joy at his release from pain ; and his dust mingles 
with its kindred dust in the city of St. Augustine. 

His loss was a severe one to his brother ; an irrepa- 
rable one to his family. In the mysterious providence 
of God, he was taken away at the very moment when a 
sense of duty had conquered his natural disinclination 
to public life, and he had resolved to dedicate his talents 
wholly to the ministry, for which they so eminently 
qualified him. 



LIFE OF SPEKCEi: HOUGHTON CONE. 247 



CHAPTEE XIV. 
1830 TO 1841. 

The character and influence of the " Baptist General 
Convention of the United States " is a matter of history. 
It was the first General Congress or representative 
body of the denomination in America, both in point of 
organization and influence. It gave form and shape to 
the eff'orts of the whole denomination at home and 
abroad, and from the period of its inception in 1814, to 
its dissolution in 1845, exercised a powerful influence 
for good, in connection with every benevolent enterprise 
which appealed to the principles and sympathies of 
Baptists. 

Mr. Cone was elected a member of its board of 
managers, at its second session in 181Y, and both in its 
deliberations, and executive action, continued to take a 
leading and active part as long as it existed. In the 
interim between the Triennial sessions of the parent 
body, an executive Board conducted its business. 
That Board not being located where Mr. Cone resided, 
he communicated to them his views, principally, by 
letter. After the separation in 1845, a Missionary Con- 
vention was formed at the South, and a Missionary 
Union at the North. Mr. Cone's location in New York, 
made it in his opinion necessary and wise that he should 
continue to act with the Northern organization. Through 
the kindness of Dr. Stow, we have been favored with 
the file of his letters to the acting Board at Boston, 
from 1827 to 1849. 



24& LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

In 1832 he was elected president of the Convention, 
and continned to be re-elected until positively refusing 
the honor. During the nine years in which he presided 
over the deliberations of that body, it very generally 
and satisfactorily represented the Baptist Denomination 
of the United States. Its deliberations were marked by 
great dignity of tone, and harmony of design and feel- 
ing. His ability, as a presiding officer, in the manage- 
ment of a deliberative body, is conceded to have greatly 
conduced to this harmonious action, and the Christian 
union of sentiment w^hich marked its sessions. His 
labors, however, did not end with the termination of its 
triennial sessions. In these interims his peculiar force 
and efficiency as an executive officer, made itself felt 
wherever the influence of the Convention extended. 
Whilst discharging, with unintermitting activity, his 
duties as the pastor of a church, scarcely a day passed 
without his communicating either with the acting board 
or some of the numerous missionaries laboring under 
its patronage in the home and foreign field. Judson, 
Kincaid, McCoy — nearly all the missionaries, indeed, 
kept up a constant and intimate correspondence with 
him. With the most of them he waa. personally 
acquainted, and they felt that they had in him a dispas- 
sionate, careful, and consistent friend. But whether 
personally acquainted or not, all knew him as president 
of the Convention which sustained them, and deeply 
interested in everything connected with their efforts 
and labors to spread the Gospel in foreign lands. The 
majority of the letters received by him from the 
missionaries — indeed, almost all which contained any 
matter of general interest or information, he published 
during his lifetime, and circulated as widely as possible, 
for the purpose of fostering everywhere the s]3irit of 
Missions, by keeping up a constant and lively interest 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. ' 249 

in the several missionaries and the stations occupied by 
them. He acted always upon the principle of an out- 
spoken frankness ; as he says in a letter to Dr. Peck, 
May 24th5 1848 — after detailing his reasons for desiring 
the French mission to be vigorously prosecuted, " These 
are part of the things I have said to Brother Devan, 
whom I dearly love in the Lord. I tell them to you, 
because I have no secret ojjnnions^ or jprivate ends to 
answer in the things of the kingdom." 

Whilst residing in Virginia, he became personally 
acquainted with Ann Hazeltine Judson, on the occasion 
of her visit to the United Sates. During all his after 
life, he spoke of her in terms of the warmest admiration. 
Words, indeed, seemed to him weak to express his 
appreciation of her worth as a woman, a wife, and a 
missionary of the Cross. 

In 1841, the Convention met in Baltimore. At that 
meeting he stated that, having been honored for nine 
years past, with the appointment of president of that 
body, he desired, for weighty and important reasons, to 
decline a re-election. Many endeavored to persuade 
him to reconsider his decision, but he persisted in it. 

In a letter to Dr. Bolles, dated April 15th, 1841, he 
says : " As I told Brother Lincoln, it is my ardent desire 
to decline re-election as president of the Convention, 
and you will please ascertain whether Brother Sharp 
and the Acting Board approve such a course ; nothing 
would induce me to occupy that distinguished position 
but your sober, preconceived, and settled opinion that 
the cause of Missions would be benefited thereby. For 
that cause I am willing to sacrifice feeling and forego 
my own pleasure. But my private judgment decided 
three years ago in favor of a president from the South ; 
and I should then have adopted the course now proposed, 

11^ 



250 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

but that you, and Peek, and Babcock, and Bennett, and 
several others to whom it was mentioned, insisted upon 
my not saying a word, but leaving the matter in the 
hands of the Convention." 

He accordingly resigned, and Rev. William B. 
Johnson, of South Carolina, was elected in his place. 

That Mr. Cone's resignation did not ultimately con- 
duce to a continuation of their union, events unhappily 
demonstrated. 

On this point, the evidence of Rev. J. B. Jeter, of 
Richmond, Va., incidentally given in a letter to us, dated 
January, 29th 1856, throws some light. '' My acquaint- 
ance with him," he says, " did not commence until 
several years after his removal from the State; and 
I never enjoyed the pleasure of seeiug him, except at 
our larger denominational meetings, where our inter- 
course was mostly official and public. He visited this 
city several times after my personal knowledge of him 
began. Once to attend the meeting of the Baptist 
Triennial Convention, and on other occasions as a rep- 
resentative of the American and Foreign Bible Society, 
at our Yirginia Baptist Anniversaries. His presence 
here was always hailed with delight. No preacher could 
draw a larger congregation in Richmond than he could. 
The largest house of worship could not, under favorable 
circumstances, contain the crowds that flocked to hear 
him. Several causes contributed to increase his popu- 
larity as a preacher. Independent of the evangelical 
matter of his sermons, and the sprightly, earnest, and 
impressive manner of their delivery, a manner well 
suited to the Virginian taste, the circumstance that he 
once resided south of the Potomac, that he had uni- 
formly cherished a fraternal feeling towards the Baptists 
of the South, and that he occupied a prominent position 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 251 

in the churches of tlie commercial metropolis of the 
nation, served to heighten the interest with which his 
ministrations were received. 

''It was, however, in my judgment, as 2i platform 
speaker that he mostly excelled. He eminently pos- 
sessed that self control, quickness of conception, readi- 
ness of speech, gracefulness of manner, and firmness of 
purpose which, in extempore debate, made him a power- 
ful Opponent, and gave Mm a controlling influence in 
popular assemllies, 

"Some of his speeches I remember as rare specimens 
of eloquent and forcible discussion. 

" His qualifications as a presiding officer in deliberative 
bodies are well known. His acquaintance with parlia- 
mentary rules ; his promptness, firmness, and urbanity, 
aided by the clearness of his voice, and the venerable- 
ness of his appearance, rendered him the most efficient 
chairman that I have ever known. 

" On the sectional questions that unfortunately agitated 
the Baptist denomination, he uniformly pursued a pru- 
dent and conservative course. He acted upon the prin- 
ciple, frequently asserted by the venerable Father Ben- 
net, that, ' Mason and Dixori^s line does not run through 
the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.'^ Had the Baptists gener- 
ally been actuated by the spirit of Dr. Cone, and pursued 
his candid and conciliating course, nothing could have 
occurred to disturb the harmony, or paralyze the labors 
of the denomination of which he was so distinguished an 
ornament. It cannot be surprising, in view of these 
considerations, that he should have acquired and main- 
tained a strong hold on the confidence and afi*ections of 
the Baptists in the South. His recommendation gave to 
any man a ready access to their regards and hospitality. 
His name carried an influence among them which was 
accorded to few others. No man^ not residing in the 



252 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

South, was better known to them, or more highly 
appreciated by them ; nor was there one whose opinions 
commanded more respect. 

" It was my fortune to differ from him on several 
questions of expediency, but these differences did not 
diminish the high regard in which I held him. I have 
often said, and now take pleasure in saying, after all the 
causes of difference are buried in his tomb, and a calm 
retrospection of the events of the past thirty years, that 
no man within that period, has occupied a more promi- 
nent place, wielded a mightier influence, or established 
a higher claim to grateful homage, in the Baptist 
denomination than he. I venerate him for his princi- 
ples, his talents, his labors, his usefulness." 

On the 11th of February, 1840, his third sister, Martha, 
died of consumption. She was a woman of very pecu- 
liar mind. An earnest and devoted Christian, she was 
possessed of almost masculine energy and spirit. Her 
understanding was strong, and her ideas of duty parti- 
cularly clear and energetic. After her brother's removal 
from Philadelphia, she was the mainstay of the family, 
and looked up to as guide and counsellor in all the affairs 
of daily life. As a member of Sansom street church,/ 
she was one of the "honorable women," in the cause of 
Christian effort and benevolence. Like her brother, 
rest or inaction were impossible to her, and it is 
undoubtedly owing to that energetic quality of her 
mind, her mental vitality, if we may use the expression, 
that she was enabled to struggle for years against the 
disease to which she finally succumbed. 

Martha was very dear, not only to her brother, but to 
all his family. She was a frequent guest with them in 
New York ; and being greatly gifted in conversation, 
and combining much sweetness of disposition with 
a directness of purpose and force of character, which 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 253 

made itself felt on all around her, her death was felt as 
no common bereavement. 

In the year 1841 he also resigned the charge of the 
church in Oliver street. Many of the members he had 
found there were from the Old World. They never 
cordially embraced the strict Baptist doctrines which 
he preached, nor thoroughly sympathized with his strong 
and strongly-expressed Americanism. From these and 
a variety of causes, he became unhappy in his pastoral 
relations to that church, and on the 21st of April, 1841, 
sent in his letter of resignation. This letter, w^hich is 
dated April 21st, 1841, begins as follows: — ''To the 
brethren and sisters composing the Oliver street Baptist 
church, New York. Beloved in the Lord — my heart 
indites this letter, with emotions of tenderness which a 
pastor only can feel. Many of you are my joy and my 
crown ; so stand fast in the Lord my dearly-beloved ! 
that whether, as heretofore, I should see your faces 
statedly in the sanctuary, or not, I may at least hear of 
your state, and know that the Gospel of the Grace of 
God which I have preached to you, has not been in 
vain in the Lord. 

'' After laboring among you for eighteen years, with 
such mental and physical energies as have been 
bestowed upon me by the Saviour of sinners, I am con- 
strained to resign my pastoral charge : and in doing 
this ; first of all, I would render unfeigned and heart- 
felt thanks to the Father of lights, for the souls He has 
given me for my hire, and for the measure of success 
vouchsafed in building up the Saints on their most holy 
faith. ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ « 

" And to those who are attached to me as a Christian ; 
who have never been ashamed of the Gospel I have 
preached, but have stood by me in the time of trial, in 
the midst of all the charms of new men and new 



254: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

measures ; who have ministered to my support with a 
ready mind, and whose prayers and alms have gone up 
together before the throne; to such, language has no 
words adequately to express the depth of my enduring 
affection. May God Almighty bless you in all your 
outgoings and incomings, in your basket and store, in 
your bodies and spirits, for time and for eternity. 

"For those who may wish still to sit under my 
ministry, an opportunity, I trust, in the all wise Provi- 
dence of God, will be afforded ; and to point them to 
the Lamb of God, whose blood cleanseth from all sin, 
will give me great delight. Such as remain in Oliver 
street, whether from the ties of blood ; the persuasion 
of friends ; the size, or wealth, or respectability of the 
church ; the associations of by-gone years, or from a 
sense of duty to aid in sustaining our cause in that por- 
tion of the city ; upon them I do fervently implore the 
rich blessing of Joseph, until the branches shall run 
over the wall." ^ ^ ^ 

The letter proceeds to state, at considerable length, 
the reasons which have brought him to believe that the 
term of his usefulness amongst them has arrived. It 
also enters into a consideration of the state of the first 
Baptist church, the call erf which he has accepted, and 
the reasons which have induced him to think that duty 
required him to accept that call. The letter then closes 
with the following sentence : — " The Gospel I have 
preached to you, is the Gospel of peace and love ! 
Farewell ! and through the riches of superabounding 
grace, may we all at last meet in a better country, 
where there is no selfishness, but where we shall love our 
neighbor as we love ourselves ! Even so Lord Jesus." 

Li a letter to Dr. L)agg, under date of August 16th, 
184:1 — he refers to his resignation of the pastoral charge 
of Oliver street church ; his acceptance of the call of 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOrGHTON CONE. 255 

the first cliurcli ; and also to the results of the meeting 
of the Convention at Baltimore. 

^'Yonr kind letter," he says, "was received before 
the meeting of the General Convention, and I was much 
disappointed in not seeing you in Baltimore, upon an 
occasion so vitally connected with the benevolent efibrts 
of our denomination. That vou lacked ' influence ' 
either with the South or the l^orth, I cannot, for a 
moment, admit, for I know of no one whose voice would 
have commanded more respect in our anxious and 
important session ; but you had, no doubt, many other 
considerations than the one named to keep you at home. 
The Lord, I believe, was in our midst, and to Him 
belongs all the glory of whatever sentiments of kindness, 
benevolence, and union, it was our happiness to witness, 
and few of us, I trust, but felt, and will long remember, 
that He was better to us than our fears, and infinitely 
better than our deserts. 

" In the paper submitted to the Southern brethren, in 
Baltimore, you have my views of church fellowship, 
and I was gratified that it w^as so generally and cordially 
signed by those present. It contributed somewhat, I 
think, to produce in all minds, a determination to attend 
to the appropriate missionary and Bible business that 
called us together, and not to suffer any irrelevant matter 
to be introduced, even in the shape of a commendatory 
resolution. To a strict adherence to this determination 
I ascribe, under God, the delightful general results of 
our Baltimore meetings. 

" Upon the whole, I am decidedly of the opinion that 
we shall continue to act as a denomination, in Bible 
and missionary operations, through our present organi- 
zations, at least till the next Triennial Convention, and 
I hope a great many years longer ; and for this we must 
not only hope, but labor, and watch, and pray. 



256 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

" I have resigned, as you have seen, the charge of 
Oliver street church, and become the pastor of the First 
church. New York. Many causes conspired to induce 
this change. I was not very happy in Oliver street, 
and did not find myself as useful as I wished to be, so 
I had determined in my own mind to change my posi- 
tion when the First Church gave me an unanimous call, 
and offered to build in the centre of the city such a 
house as I pleased, with offices for Bible and Mission 
societies, rent free, &c. In all which I have recognized 
the finger of Divine Providence, and have entered upon 
my new sphere of labor with confidence and comfort, 
and believe it will result in the advancement of the cause 
in New York more than anything which has been 
attempted there by any of the churches, in the way of 
benevolent enterprise, for many years. Let me not want 
your prayers, for I feel that 1 have undertaken a great 
work, which cannot be successfully prosecuted without 
help from above. ' Help, Lord ! for vain is the help of 
man.' 

"I have read your tract upon John iii. 5, with much 
interest, but still think the allusion is to baptism. ' To 
be born of water ' is a figure, exhibiting water as the 
womb out of which the individual is born ; and teaching 
" the washing of the believer in tlie blood of Christ.' I 
do not see at all the dilemma that ' Baptism, must on this 
interpretation, be essential to salvation." Baptism is not 
mentioned here — it is only alluded to as furnishing a 
2i figure of our salvation. To be born of water and spirit 
are different things; the first I suppose to mean 'washed 
in the blood of Christ,' the latter ' renewed by the 
Spirit.' Both are necessary to our salvation. 1 Cor. vi. 
11. Eph. V. 46. 1 Pet. i. 22. Eev. i. 5." 

In a letter to Eeverend J. W. Sarles he also speaks of 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 257 

the change from Oliver street to the First church, as 
follows : 

" As jou say it was, indeed, strange that after more 
than eighteen years' pastoral toil and continued mental 
effort in Oliver street, my connection should be dis- 
solved, and the charge of another church in the same city 
be accepted. But matters and things have been mov- 
ing towards this point for years, and my peace of mind 
became so seriously invaded as to interfere with my 
comfort in preaching, and I determined, more than twelve 
months ago, to change my position, as soon as the Lord 
should open for me a door in Providence where I might 
enter and be useful. This He has kindly and most man- 
ifestly done, and I have never felt so much at home 
during my residence in ISTew York as at the present 
time. The First Church, of which I am now pastor, is 
comparatively small, but sound in the faith, and united 
and harmonious in action. One strong inducement to 
accept the oversight of them you may see in their 
generous determination to build such a house in the centre 
of the city, as would meet my views of the wants of the 
denomination; connected with commodious offices for 
the Bible and Missionary operations in which we are 
engaged, rent free. This was an object of great import- 
ance, and I have reason to hope, through the Divine 
blessing on my feeble instrumentality, will be speedily 
accomplished. 

The enterprise in which I thus find myself engaged at 
56 years of age is a bold one, and must be attended with 
much anxiety, and prayer, and effort, before it can be 
conducted to a successful termination ; at least so far as 
paying for the house and filling it with a congregation 
of attentive hearers are concerned ; but if God be for 
us, it will all be well, and His name shall have all the 
glory ; and for this you will not cease to pray /" 



258 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 




LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 259 



CHAPTER XV. 

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK. 

"New York, March 2^th, 1841. - 

"The First Baptist Church in the city of New York, to 
our well-beloved Brother in the ministry, Elder Spencer 
H. Cone, sendeth greeting : 

" It is known and read of all men, that the First Bap- 
tist Church in this city has long and earnestly contended 
for the faith once delivered to the saints. Under the 
ministration of our late pastor, we have been indoctrin- 
ated into the truth as it is in the Gospel of the grace 
of God, and led by the Holy Spirit, as we trust, to 
embrace and love it. But after years of great usefulness 
in our midst, he has in the providence of God been 
induced to leave us, and consequently we are without 
an under-shepherd. 

" Since the date of his resignation, earnest, and we 
may say unceasing, prayer has ascended to our dear 
Master, that He would kindly regard us in this our time 
of destitution, and (though with shame and confusion of 
face we have great reason to mourn over our lukewarm- 
ness in the cause), we continue to implore Him, that He 
will not remove our candlestick, but that He will send 
us one to minister to us, whose labors He will delight to 
own and bless. 

"But we have so learned Christ that the fatness 
of our souls would wax lean were we compelled to feed 
on the husks of doctrine which are now-a-days held forth 
to our guilty race. And we are therefore doubly 



260 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

anxious that tlie words of faith and good doctrine, 
whereunto we have attained by sovereign grace, shall 
ever be preached from our desk in the same purity with 
which we were led to receive them. This enhances the 
difficulty of selecting a suitable watchman for this wall 
of Zion, and serves to make us feel how completely 
dependent upon the guidance of our Heavenly Father 
we are in this matter, and yet we are willing, nay even 
rejoice to submit our difficulties to Him who has graven 
us on the palms of His hands. 

"While, therefore, we, as a church, have devoted 
specific seasons of prayer for Divine direction in this 
weighty matter, a committee of three were appointed to 
select and recommend a suitable person to undertake 
the pastoral charge of the First Baptist Church — a man 
who should have so learned Christ, that from the heart 
he might teach that form of doctrine which the Holy 
Spirit has delivered unto us, and which is set forth in 
the accompanying summary of our faith. This com- 
mittee, after mature and prayerful deliberations, have 
unanimously recommended that the beloved elder 
Spencer H. Cone be invited to fulfill the duties of 
that station. This church has unanimously adopted 
their recommendation, and by a vote of that body the 
present call was directed to be made, with the hope 
that our Lord will incline your heart to accept our invi- 
tation, and come over and help us. 

" Our Heavenly Father in His wisdom has seen fit 
within a few years past, to allow, not only a considerable 
diminution of our numbers, but also that a heavy load 
of pecuniary obligation should rest upon us; yet with all 
these troubles we are a united band, having but one single 
object in view; viz., the declarative glory of our beloved 
Master. But the church feels that for the attainment 
of that object, she greatly needs the regular and stated 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 261 

labors of one of the under-sheplierds of the Lord to go in 
and out before her to minister to her in holy things. 
For this end, the eyes of the First Baptist Church are 
fixed upon you, our beloved brother, and she stands 
ready to welcome you with open arms to the work. 

"The services she seeks from you, are ministrations in 
the public sanctuary twice every Lord's day, and on two 
evenings in every week, as well as the performance 
of those other pastoral duties which the faithful over- 
sight of the flock may require at your hands. And as 
we deem that he who preaches the Gospel should live 
of the Gospel, the church will endeavor to relieve your 
mind of all your pecuniary troubles by the payment of 
twenty-five hundred dollars per annum. We would 
also have it mutually understood, that unless death or 
some other severe stroke of Providence intervene, 
the connection which this church wishes to establish 
between yourself and her, shall cease only, w^hen either 
yourself or the church shall have given six months' 
notice of a desire to dissolve such connection. 

" With a sincere desire, and earnest prayer that God 
w^ill direct your mind to a favorable reception of this 
our Call, we remain, 

" Tours in the patience of the kingdom. 
" By order and in behalf of the church, 

"Sylvester Piee, Ch. ClerkP 



"New York, A'pril 21s#, 1841. 

" Dear Brethren in the Lord : Your communica- 
tion of March 22d, 1841, w^as duly received. I have 
perused it with care, and endeavored to spread it before 
the throne of grace for Divine direction. 

'' You have called me to the exercise of the pastoral 
oflfice by a unanimous vote. This is truly gratifying to 



262 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

my feelings, and, indeed, without snch an expression of 
an entire cordiality, I conld not have entertained your call. 

" Your printed epitome of Scripture doctrines, the 
order of a gospel church, together with the duties and 
privileges of it members, I have been intimately 
acquainted with for years, and it gives me pleasure here 
to record my hearty approbation of them. To preach 
them to the people, faithfully and affectionately, for 
more than a quarter of a century, has been my untiring 
effort. 

"The salary you propose, being the same as that paid 
by the church in Oliver street, is sufficient to sustain my 
family in a manner becoming the position in society both 
of Pastor and people, and at the same time allow me to 
make occasional contributions to the cause of benevolence, 
as obvious claims may demand. But money forms no part 
of my motive to action. I hope to live among those who 
will ever sympathize with me in sorrow or in joy; who 
will never look upon my trials, whatever they may be, 
with frigid indifference ; and who will cheerfully co-op- 
erate with me in promoting the interests of Messiah's 
Eangdom. 

" Preaching twice on the Lord's-day, and once or 
twice on week evenings, is as much as I deem profitable 
to those who wish to mark, learn, and inwardly digest 
what they hear, and quite as much as my physical and 
mental energies should statedly encounter, in connection 
with other indispensable pastoral duties, and such episto- 
lary. Missionary, and Bible labors, as must of necessity 
bo performed. 

" And now, brethren and sisters in Christ Jesus, the 
great, the single question has been, " Lord, what wilt 
thou have me to do V I have thought upon the church 
and congregation in Oliver street, fo whom I have 
preached for, eighteen years, and have no reason to 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 263 

expect ever to minister to a larger. Licrease of emolu- 
ment, diminution of responsibility, or decrease of avo- 
cation — ^I do not desire ; they have not weighed a fea- 
ther in the balance : yet after giving this momentous 
question all the consideration of which I am capable, the 
path of duty^ which I know to be the only path of true 
happiness, usefulness, and safety, seems to be made plain, 
and I am induced unreservedly and heartily to accept 
your call, and become, if the Lord will, the pastor of the 
First Baptist Church in the city of New York. 

" It is not necessary to recapitulate the considerations 
through the combined influence of which my mind has 
been conducted to this result. They, may be summed 
up in one sentence. I hojDC by this step, with the bless- 
ing of Almighty God upon our united efforts^ to extend 
and more permanently establish, in this great and wicked 
city, the doctrines and ordinances of the Lord : and to 
do this, we must build such a house as the circumstances 
of the Baptist denomination imperiously require ; and 
give, and labor, and pray, until it shall be filled with 
spiritual worshippers. This is the noble enterprise 
which has secured my unqualified approbation, and the 
desire and hope of accomplishing it, in the name and in 
the strength of the Lord, have made me willing to leave 
those who have had the unabated vigor of my manhood 
to spend my last days with you. God grant that these 
last days may be my best days for your sake, and for 
His dear Son's sake. 

''It will be agreeable to the deacons and trustees of 
Oliver street church, as I learn from their sub-committee, 
that my resignation of the pastoral charge of the church 
should take effect from the last of June. If this arrange- 
ment meets the approbation of the church, you may 
expect me to take charge of yonr pulpit the first 
Lord's-day of July next, and in the meantime I shall be 



264 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

ready to aid your committee in procuring occasional 
supplies. 

" The grace of onr Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 

" In Gospel bonds, your aifectionate brother, 

"Spencer H. Cone." 



" On the first of July, 1841, By the unanimous vote 
of the First Baptist Church in the city of New York, he 
took the oversight of that flock, which, from peculiar 
circumstances in its history, had been greatly reduced 
in numbers and influence. It has since been raised to a 
degree of prosperity and usefulness enjoyed by few 
churches even in this favored land.'' — JVew Yorh Chron- 
icle, 1850. 

A large number of his attached friends in Oliver 

street followed him to his new scene of labor, and the 

large and beautiful meeting-house in Broome street, 

built in the stjde called the Collegiate Gothic, hardly 

sufficed to hold the crowds which continued to hang 

upon his lips. It was a surprising thing to see such 

numbers of strangers always flocking to where he 

preached; for he indulged in no fine flights of fancy, or 

florid elegances of style. iSTor did he mince matters 

with them. He preached to sinners, and the Cross of 

Christ was never forgotton. He preached the whole 

Gospel to them, with little care how much the flne skin 

of human vanity might be ruffled by it. Anthony, a 

very old colored member of Oliver street church, and 

time out of mind its sexton, used to get very tired of 

bringing the benches up out of the lecture-room to put 

in the aisles in Oliver street for the people to sit 

on when the pews were all packed, and go up and down 

the stairs grumbling: '^ I wish Brother Cone would 

preach in the Park ; then, may-be, the people get 'commo- 



LIFE OF SPEIS^CER HOUGHTON CONE. 265 

dated." It was the same thing to the last. His preach- 
ing never seemed to pall upon the j)iiblic ear. 

The ensuing sketch of the history of the First Church, 
New York, was prepared by him for the New York 
Chronicle, in 1850. It seems proper to preserve it here, 
as that church was publicly and closely connected with 
some of the most important events of his life. 

The first Baptist preaching in the city of New York of which we have 
any account, was by one Wm.Wickenden, of R. I., sometime previous to 
the year 1669 : the results of which are not particularly known, except 
that Mr. W. was imprisoned several months for presuming to preach 
without a license from an officer of the crown. In 1712, Mr. Valentine 
Wightman came to the city from Groton, Connecticut, and preached with 
considerable success. In 1^724, a church of twelve was organized, and 
Mr. Eyres became pastor. They purchased lots and built a house of 
'worship in Gold street. But after about eight years' existence, the church, 
consisting then of twenty-four members, being left without a pastor, 
under great pecuniary difficulties, was disbanded. Mr. Eyres and his 
associates are reputed to have been Arrainians in doctrine. The church, 
known as the First Baptist Church in the city of Xew York, originated in 
1745, when Jeremiah Dodge, a member of the Fishkill Baptist Church, 
settled here, and opened his house for public worship. Elder Benjamin 
Miller, of New Jersey, preached here in that year, and baptized Joseph 
Meeks, who continued to be a valuable member of the First Church, until 
the 6th of October, 1782, when he died, aged 73 years. Robert North 
and a few otkers who had belonged to the Arminian Church, having 
learned the way of the Lord more perfectly, now united with brethren 
Dodge and Meeks to sustain the Baptist cause. Mr. John Pine, a licen- 
tiate of the Fishkill Church, preached for them till 1750, when he died. 
In 1747, the Scotchplains Church, New Jersey, was organized, and called 
elder Benjamin Miller to the pastoral office, and as there were but 
thirteen brethren and sisters in the city who agreed in their views of 
doctrine, it was deemed advisable to unite with that church in 1753, 
with the understanding that Brother Miller should preach in New York 
occasionally, and administer the Lord's Supper to them once in three 
months. His preaching was so acceptable, that those who wished to hear 
him could not be accommodated in a private dwelling ; the church, 
therefore, hired a rigging-loft, in Cart and Horse street, now William" 
street, where they statedly assembled for public worship for several years. 
- As their numbers and resources increased, they purchased ground in 
Gold street, and erected a small meeting-house which was opened on the 

12 



266 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

14th March, 17 60. In that year Brother John Gano, formerly pastor of 
Morristown Church, New Jersey, preached for them several times with 
great acceptance, and received a unanimous call to settle with them. 
He replied, that he must finish his engagement with the First Church, 
Philadelphia, where he was then preaching ; and must spend three months 
afterwards with the Yadkin Baptist Church, North Carolina, whence he 
had been driven by the outrages of the Cherokee Indians, in 1759, and 
then he would be at hberty to accept their call. To this the church 
agreed, and continued to depend upon visiting brethren, to lead in public 
worship, until June 19th, 1762, when twenty-seven members from Scotch- 
plains, having previously received letters of dismission, were publicly 
recognized as an independent Gospel Church. Brethren Miller and Gano, 
conducted the religious exercises upon this interesting occasion ; the lat- 
ter was received into the fellowship of the church the same day, upon the 
credit of his letter of dismission from the Yadkin Church, and entered 
immediately upon his pastoral charge. 

Many flocked together to hear him preach Christ crucified ; in two or 
three years the number of members exceeded two hundred ; the meeting- 
house was considerably enlarged, so as to measure fifty-two feet by forty- 
two, and was then too small for the congregation. 

But the peace of the church was occasionally disturbed. Three minis- 
ters from England, at different times, endeavored to divide the church ; 
they were Murray, Dawson, and Allen ; the last of whom, especially, caused 
them sore trouble. Brother Gano wrote to England, "and obtained 
such an account of the man and his character at home," as destroyed his 
influence in New York, and he, soon after, removed from the city. The 
next difficulty, worthy of note, originated in a vote of the church to sing 
from hymn books, instead of giving out the lines, as had previously been 
the custom. This change gave so much offence, that fourteen took 
letters of dismission, and formed the Second Baptist Church, New York. 
The church, however, continued to increase in numbers and influence 
until the war of the Kevolution, during which period, the members were 
everywhere scattered abroad. The ordinance of baptism was adminis- 
tered by the pastor, April 28th, 1776, and not again until September 4th, 
1784. 

John Gano was a firm patriot and a brave man. In the struggle for 
national existence and the estabUshment of civil and rehgious freedom, 
he could not but take an active part. He removed his family to Con- 
necticut, but determined to remain in the city himself, until the enemy 
entered it. He was invited to become chaplain of the regiment com- 
manded by Colonel Charles Webb, of Stamford, but declined the appomt- 
ment. He, nevertheless, so far complied, as to visit the regiment every 
morning, and preach for them every Lord's day. Brother Gano continued 
with Colonel Webb's regiment until the period expired for which the 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 267 

men had enlisted, and they returned to their homes. He took this 
opportunity to visit his family; where he found a letter awaiting him 
from Colonel Dubosques, then stationed at Fort Montgomery, on the 
North River. He immediately set out for the Colonel's quarters, and at 
the earnest solicitation of General James Clinton, with whom he there 
met, he accepted an appointment as chaplain, and continued in the 
service until the close of the war. 

After the British evacuated New York, he returned to the city, and 
collected together " about thirty-seven members of the church out of 
above two hundred." The meeting-house, which was much disfigured^ 
having been used as a store-house and stable for horses, was repaired ; 
public worship was resumed ; " the Lord looked graciously upon His 
people, the congregation was large and attentive, and many were brorght 
to bow the knee to King Jesus!" In two years the church -^ain 
numbered more than two hundred members. 

In I'ZS'Z a proposition was made to Brother Gano to rembve to 
Kentucky, with the prospect of increasing his usefulness, and rehcving 
himself from pecuniary embarrassments. He called a church meeting 
and laid before them the facts in the case ; but he says, " they treated it 
all as a chimera, and with all possible coolness left him to determine for 
himself." He immediately determined to go. As soon as his intention 
was made known, "the Church offered to raise his salary, and very 
affectionately urged him to tarry." He would gladly have compUed with 
their wishes, but it was too late ; he had entered into engagements whicri 
could not be broken. He continued to preach for the church until the 
4th of May, 1788 ; in the afternoon of that day, he administered the 
Lord's Supper, and in the evening took his final leave of them in a very 
affecting discourse from Acts xv. 29 : ''''Fare ye wellP 

Brother Gano arrived safely at Limestone, Ky., June lYth, 1788 ; he 
preached in various parts of the State, principally at Frankfort, and for 
the Town Fork church, and finished his course, August 10th, 1804, in 
the 'ZSth year of his age. The last sentiment he uttered, in the midst of 
his weeping family and friends, was his desire to depart and be with 
Jesus. 

The First Church, New York, has great cause of gratitude to the God 
of all grace, for giving them John Gano, as their first pastor. His 
ministry was owned and blessed to the permanent establishment of our 
cause in this great commercial emporium ; where, for more than twenty- 
six years, this John the Baptist was a burning and a shining light. 

After the departure of Brother Gano, the pulpit was supphed by dif- 
ferent ministers. Among these was Benjamin Foster, D. D. of Newport, 
Rhode Island, with whose preaching, department and character the 
.- church was so much pleased, that, after due deliberation and prayer, they 
called him to take the oversight of the flock as pastor. This call he 



268 LIFE OF S?ENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

accepted, and removed to the city with his family, September 26th, 1788, 
but having been inoculated with the small pox, he was prevented from 
entering upon the duties of his office until the 2d of December following. 
His ministry was very soon interrupted by the complaints of several 
members, who charged him with preaching what was called " New 
Divinity;" the fundamental error of which was understood to be, an 
indefinite atonement ; and this led to an unscriptural "exhibition of the 
doctrine of imputation. The charge, however, was not sustained by 
the church, and from such of his writings as are extant, as well as from 
the high estimation in which he was held by the sound divines of his day, 
it appears not to have been well founded. But the fire of contention 
burned more and more fiercely, until January 2'7th, 1789, when eight 
males and five females were excluded " for their self-sufficiency, their 
scandalous treatment of the character of their minister, and their turning 
their backs upon the church in a contemptuous manner." These 
excluded persons were received into the fellowship of the Second Church ; 
and this being contrary to our discipline, all intercourse between the 
two churches was suspended. The Second Church, sent no messenger to 
the Philadelphia Association that year, but in October, 1780, they 
attempted to justify their course, in their annual letter to the venerable 
body then in session in this city, by charging the First Church with 
having departed from the truth both in faith and discipline." The 
association appointed a committee of eight, of whom Dr. Samuel Jones, 
of Pennsylvania, was chairman, and Dr. Manning, President of Brown 
University, Rhode Island, was a member, for the purpose of reconcihng 
the churches, "and preventing, if possible, all further disputes and 
animosities." The committee promptly attended to the duty assigned 
them, and finally submitted the following propositions : 

1. That the Second Church do cordially withdraw its charge against 
the First Church and its pastor. 

2. That the First Church will henceforward consider those members 
lately received by the Second Church from the First, as in good and 
regular standing. 

3. That the members in each church in regular standing, shall enjoy 
occasional communion if required, in either church, and shall have the 
privilege of reciprocal dismissing, if requested by any. 

4. That both parties do fully, freely, and cordially, promise not to use 
any expulsions, or other unkind treatment towards each other, and that a 
failure herein shall be a matter of discipline. 

5. That each church shall enter the above in their church records, and 
transmit authenticated copies of their doings reciprocally to each other. 

At the regular church meeting, November 2d, 1790, these propositions 
were agreed to, and Dr. Foster and Deacon John Bedient were appointed 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 269 

a committee to wait upon the Second church with a copy of their doings. 
At this time the First Church numbered 192 members. 

The First Church continued to grow, and having dismissed, at various 
times, some thirty or forty restless and dissatisfied members, enjoyed a 
large share of peace and prosperity. Dr. Foster was much respected in 
the city, as a scholar, a preacher, and an exemplary Christian. In the mys- 
terious Providence of God he was, however, suddenly cut off by yellow 
fever on Lord's-day morning, August 26th, 1798, in the forty-eighth year 
of his age, having been pastor "of the church nearly ten years. 

The pulpit was again occupied by such occasional supplies as could be 
procured, until the 14th of October, 1800, when Reverend William Col- 
lier, of Boston, who had previously preached for the church some months, 
commenced his pastoral labors in accordance with their call. Soon after 
his settlement, the church and congregation resolved to pull down the 
old meeting-house, and erect a more commodious and substantial one in 
its place. The old house was removed in March, 1801, and a stone edifice, 
65 feet by 80, at a cost of about $25,000, was opened for public worship on 
Lord's-day, May 2d, 1802. The sermon on the occasion was preached by 
Dr. Stephen Gano, of Providence, from Exodus, xx. 24: "In all places 
where I record my name, I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee." 
In two or three years Brother Collier found his strength unequal to the 
duties of his station, and the church called Brother Jeremiah Chaplin, of 
Danvers, Massachusetts, as a co-pastor. He arrived in New York, Janu- 
ary 10th, 1804, but Brother Collier had previously received and accepted 
a call from the Charlestown Baptist church; he tarried, however, until 
Lord's-day, April 8th, 1804, when he preached his farewell sermon from 
Acts XX. 82. " And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the 
Word of His grace. 

On the 6th of November, 1804, the church, after much prayerful delibe- 
ration, agreed to send for Rev. William Parkinson, of Fredericktown, Mary- 
land, to spend a few months with them, with a view to settlement as pas- 
tor, should it appear to be desirable and proper. As he had preached for 
them several times in 1802, they were somewhat acquainted with his 
ministerial gifts, and were not ignorant of his views of doctrine. He 
complied with the invitation of the church, and arrived in the city on the 
20th of December. Having preached six weeks, a call to take the pasto- 
ral charge of them was presented, February 8th, 1805 ; this call he 
accepted on the 14th of April following. Brother Parkinson's preaching 
attracted large congregations, and the Word of truth was owned and 
blessed of God to the conversion and edification of many precious souls. 

At the meeting of the New York association, in 1805, the church 
reported 253 members, in 1809, they numbered 564. For four or five 
years, a time of refreshing was experienced from the presence of the 
Lord, and the baptismal waters were visited almost every month, during 



270 ' LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 

that most interesting and prosperous period. The enemy, however, had 
been busily engaged in sowing tares, and cases of discipline, exclusions, 
frequent church meetings to try delinquents, and strenuous efforts to 
reconcile differences and heal breaches were the result. 

On the 26th of March, 1811, brethren Greenleaf S. Webb, and Jacob 
n. Brouner, with twenty-four other brethren and sisters, obtained letters 
of dismission, and united together as an independent body, under the 
name of the Zoar Baptist Church. 

The troubles in the church caused many to leave her, and to seek 
peace and Christian fellowship elsewhere. These troubles arose princi- 
pally, at this time, from the accusations brought against the pastor. 
Some future historian may choose to investigate the subject ; it is suffi- 
cient now to say, that the church insisted upon the right of disciplining 
her own members, although four sister churches have declared, in their 
letters to the association, " their non-fellowship with the First Church, on 
account of their proceedings relative to the pastor." A letter was 
addressed to the New York association, and is recorded in their minutes of 
May 21st, 1812, expressing their views of church independence, and their 
reasons for not submitting the case of discipline in question, to the inves- 
tigation and decision of that body. The question was decided by a vote 
of the churches, fifteen sustaining the views of the First Church, and six 
against them ; " whereupon the following churches, viz., Fayette street, 
Mulberry street, Poughkeepsie, and Mount Pleasant, being dissatisfied 
therewith, requested their dismission, which on motion was granted." 

After various seasons of prosperity and adversity, of joy and sorrow, 
Brother Parkinson resigned his pastoral charge August 11th, 1840, having 
held it more than thirty-five years. Between seventy and eighty mem. 
bers took letters of dismission, within a few months after, and most of 
them united in the constitution of the Bethesda Baptist church, choosing 
Brother Parkinson for their pastor. 

The First church was now greatly reduced in numbers, having but 
about two hundred members residing in the city ; their debt had been 
increasing for years, and the sale of their property would do little more 
than liquidate it; their meeting-house was ineligibly situated, and the 
congregation had moved away from it ; and whether it would be better 
for them to struggle on and maintain their visibility, or not, became a 
grave and perplexing question. Occasional supplies were obtained for 
the pulpit ; for several months Brother Benjamin M. Hill, corresponding 
Secretary of the American Baptist Home Missionary Society, preached for 
them statedly ; and the church resorted to prayer — frequent, fervent, and 
importunate prayer for the Divine guidance and blessing. Those who were 
present at these special prayer meetings, still speak of them as among 
the most precious seasons vouchsafed to them on earth. 

The pastor of the Oliver street church at that time, had announced his 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 271 

intention to resign the charge of that body, at the end of two, four, or 
six months, as the church might {)refer ; expecting to remove from the 
city. He was not aware of what had been passing in the First Church, 
nor had the thought of becoming their pastor ever crossed his mind. 
Dr. Thomas T. Devan, an intimate friend, now called and spread before 
him the situation of the First Church ; their embarrassments, and their 
determination to make a mighty effort to sustain themselves ; he stated, 
furthermore, that they could not unite in a call to any other minister, as 
far as he could see. Similar conversations were held with the pulpit 
committee, and other influential members of the church, and resulted in 
his consenting to entertain a call to the pastoral charge of the First 
Church, on condition " that the call should be unanimous ; that he should 
be expected to preach but twice on the Lord's Day — morning and after- 
noon; and that the church should erect such a building on the Broome 
street lots as would accommodate our Bible and Missionary societies, at a 
merely nominal cost ; besides suitable accommodations for the church and 
congregation." These conditions the church cordially approved, and 
their call was dated March 29th, 1841. After a month's deliberation and 
prayer — the hand of the Lord appearing to be evidently in this thing — 
the call was accepted, and the present pastor assumed the arduous duties 
and responsibilities of his station July 1st, 1841, having preached for 
the Oliver street church eighteen years and two months. 

The building we now occupy was opened for public worship, February 
20th, 1842; Sermon by the pastor from Psalm xx. 5 : "In the name of 
our God we will set up our banners." 

The entire edifice measures 'ZS feet wide by 110 on the East side, 87 
on Broome street, and 90 on Elizabeth street ; the auditory nearly 75 
feet square ; the remainder of the building, fronting on Broome street, is 
occupied by the American and Foreign Bible Society, and the American 
Home Mission Society, at an annual rent of one dollar per annum. The 
whole cost of lots and house, including interest, paid before the house 
was finished, and the expense of a lawsuit since, to defend our title, falls 
but little short of seventy-five thousand dollars. The lots on Gold street 
were sold for thirty-three thousand dollars, which has enabled the church 
to remove the burden of their debt, retaining the burying-ground, con- 
sisting of seven lots on Houston street, without encumbrance. 

What hath God wrought ! did Israel say, 
When Jordan rolled its tide away. 
What hath God wrought ! the church should say, 
Since God hath rolled her debt away. 

For seven years past the church has enjoyed uninterrupted prosperity; 
the attendance upon the ministry of the Word is uniformly large ; the 



272 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

number of members reported to the association, May, 1848, was 602 ; 
being the largest number of which she was ever composed, and they are 
happily united in doctrine, in brotherly kindness, and in benevolent 
effort — and according to this time, with grateful hearts we would say — 
What hath God wrought I 

REMARKS. 

1. For more than a century this body has met all its pecuniary 
liabilities, without ever sending their pastors to sohcit aid from other 
churches. 

2. The church has never received an excommunicated member from a 
sister church, and extraordinary circumstances alone can ever justify a 
departure from this course. 

3. She has uniformly and steadfastly maintained the doctrine of 
church independence — a doctrine dear to the hearts of American 
Baptists. 

4. She has " earnestly contended for the faith once delivered to the 
saints," and to the. attachment of her members to the doctrines of 
sovereign and all-conquering grace, must be ascribed, under God, her 
visibility until the present day. To the truth contained in her Confession 
of Faith she still inviolably adheres. 

5. From this church have sprung the Second, or Bethel, Zoar, 
Abyssinian, Peekskill, North, Stamford and Bethesda churches, besides 
others principally formed out of members who had belonged to her. 
Ministers sent out by her are, Thomas Ustic, Ebenezer Ferris, Isaac 
Skillman, Stephen Gano, Thomas Montayne, Cornelius P. Wyckoff, James 
Bruce, John Seger, Simeon J. Drake, William Rollinson, Henry C. Fish, 
Solomon S. Relyea, and Thomas T. Devan, missionary in Paris, France. 

6. A large portion of the heart-rending trials of the church, especially 
in the former part of her history, arose from evil speaking^ backbiting^ 
and the unblushing violation of the Saviour's command : If thy brother 
offend^ (tc. " Behold how great a matter, a little fire kindleth ; the tongue 
is a fire, a world of iniquity!" 

Finally, in looking back upon the way in which the Lord our God 
hath led us, we acknowledge heartily that to Him belongeth all the 
grace and all the glory — but to us *' confusion of faces as at this day." 
May the Lord preserve this church from all the evils connected with the 
history of the past ; enabling her members to cling to the Cross, and to 
exemplify in their deportment the sanctfying influence of the Doctrines 
OF Grace ; may He greatly increase their zeal in promoting the interests 
of Messiah's Kingdom throughout the earth ; and may their unchanging 
motto be — According to this ti7ne it shall be said — What hath God 
Wrought ! Amen and Amen ! 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 273 

A marked happiness attended tlie commencement and 
close of Mr. Cone's ministerial career. Over those 
periods, the most trying in a preacher's life, God seemed 
to stretch the hand of His power to support and guide 
him with peculiar tenderness. He took charge of the 
church in Alexandria, when youthful inexperience, 
added to the fascination of his person, and the charm of 
his eloquence, exposed him to danger of every kind. 
That church was particularly fitted to encourage, 
sustain, and guard him. They appreciated his personal 
qualities ; believed as he did ; walked unitedly in all the 
doctrines and ordinances of the Lord blameless ; and 
threw around their young pastor a love as careful of 
his spiritual welfare, as it was anxious to secure his 
temporal comfort. 

Long-continued pre-eminence raised up against him 
many foes. The daring, and unqualified assertion of the 
truth, brought upon him unmerited obloquy and 
reproach. And then, when a ministry of thirty years 
had been accomplished ; when the fire of youth no 
longer burned ; when the vigor of manhood was nearly 
spent ; when the almond tree began to blossom, and the 
stealing hand of time was slowdy taking away all the 
. props and pride of human strength, the same kind Mas- 
ter brought him to the First Baptist Church in the city 
of New York — a church so like his first charge, that he 
seemed to have gone back again to the days of his 
youth, and in the delightful associations with which 
they surrounded him " renewed his strength like the 
eagles." 

With this beloved church he continued to labor 
happily and successfully to the end. Their hearts were 
one, and the love of pastor and people for each other 
tender and unvaried. A little knot of evil-minded 
persons, among whom were some of the trustees, who 

12^ 



274: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

were not members of the clim-cli, opposed him and his 
principles, but the church put them away from her as 
troublers of Zion, and folded their pastor to their hearts 
with a warmer and more determined affection. In 
truth, pastor and people were fitted to each other by 
a nicer than human cunning. God touched their hearts 
together, with the coals from off His altar, and kindled 
between them an equal flame of ardor in His service, 
and loving confidence in each other. Their pastor 
loved them with all the generous warmth and strong 
passion of his nature ; and they returned his affection an 
hundred fold into his own bosom. They understood 
and appreciated him, and he felt and knew.it. They 
were, in his own language, '' A lovely ehtcrchj^^ to him, 
strong in doctrine, ardent in the Lord's work, and the 
fear of man was not upon them. Through all his trials 
in the Eevision cause, they held up his hands, and 
strengthened his heart, by their sympathy, their gener- 
osity, and their prayers. When he was in trouble, they 
sought him ; when his enemies raged against him, they 
defended him, and were as a living wall about him ; and 
when the dearest earthlv tie was broken, and she in 
whom he had garnered up his heart lay no longer in the 
bosom, that for more than forty years had pillowed that 
darling head — they comforted him. May his Master, 
and theirs, bless them for ever. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON COl;^. 275 



CHAPTER XVI. 
1841 TO 1845. 

WErrma to Eev. R. E. Pattison, corresponding se c- 
retary of the Missionary Union in 1844, at a time when 
the excess of expenditures over its receipts filled the 
minds of all connected with it with anxiety, he says, 
^' As to the state of our treasury, I can only say, I 
deeply lament it. Such help as I may command, you 
may always rely upon, for while I have my senses, 
the work and caitse of Missions must he the business of 
my lifeP 

They had, indeed, been the great business of his 
Christian life from the dawn of its first day. Kor 
were his sympathies exhausted upon the foreign field. 
Ardently as he was attached to the Missions and 
Missionaries in Europe and Asia, the destitution of his 
own beloved country, and the desire to spread through- 
out it, everywhere, the preaching of a pure Gospel, and 
the circulation of pure versions of the living oracles 
of God, lay ever upon his heart. He never bent his 
knee at the family altar without praying for his native 
land, as a child might pray for a parent tenderly 
beloved. And she had not only his prayers, but his 
daily exertions in aid of every effort made in her behalf. 

'' I have labored,'' he says, " in the cause of Baptist 
Home Missions for move than forty years. Long before 
the present organization was projected (the American 
Baptist Home Mission Society), I discharged the duties 
both of corresponding and recording secretary of the 



276 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

JSTew York Baptist Domestic Mission Society, and since 
the foundation of the American Baptist Home Mission 
Society, have endeavored to promote its usefulness, with 
heart and hand, tongue and pen, as God has graciously 
afforded means and opportunity." 

He was a constituent member of that society at its 
formation, April 2rth, 1832. 

He was elected one of its directors in 1832, '35, '36, 
'37, '38, and '39. Elected vice president 1840, '41, '42, 
and 43. He was also elected a member of the execu- 
tive Board, May 1st, 1832, and was re-elected annually 
till 1845, when he resigned. 

In May, 1839, he was chosen chairman of the Board, 
and held the office annually thereafter, till his resigna- 
tion in 1845. 

He was re-elected a member of the Board, and by 
the Board as their chairman, in May, 1849, and 
remained in both positions till April, 1855, when he 
again resigned. 

After so many years of harmonious action, and 
extended influence, the vexed question of slavery intro- 
duced itself into the society, and led to the same 
unhappy results, which have attended its discussion in 
every religious body in the United States. The force 
of his character, his eloquence, and his fine tact in the 
management of a deliberative body averted the threaten- 
ed storm at Baltimore, in 1841 ; but it very soon 
gathered again in the distance, and assuming propor- 
tions too vast for human control, burst finally upon the 
different societies with destructive violence. 

Dr. Dagg, of Georgia, very clearly and succinctly 
details the principal events preceding, and immediately 
conducing to the separation between Northern and 
Southern Baptists in the benevolent societies, which had 
up to that time been sustained by their united force. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 277 

" Brother Cone exerted his influence," says Dr. Dagg, 
^' to prevent the unhappy division, which separated the 
Baptists of the North and South from each other. One 
of the first decisive steps in effecting this separation, 
was taken by the American Baptist Home Mission 
Society, in refusing to appoint the Rev. James E. 
Reeves of Georgia, as a missionary. The Baptist Con- 
vention of Georgia, at its session in 1844 (April), 
instructed its executive committee to recommend Mr. 
Reeves for an appointment, and at the same time to 
inform the Board of the Home Mission Society that he 
was a slaveholder. A suspicion was spreading among 
the members of the Convention, that the Board would 
not knowingly appoint a slaveholder to office ; and a 
call was made to test this matter. In compliance with 
the instructions of the Convention, the Executive com- 
mittee, of which I was a member, made the application 
in the manner prescribed. 

Fearing that it might be rejected, and that disastrous 
results would follow, I wrote a private letter to Brother 
Cone, who was a member af the Home Mission Board, 
urging his attention to the subject. His reply, given in 
the following letter of October lOth, 1844, exhibits his 
position on this question. He says : 

" After five meetings upon the subject, each meeting 
of at least three hours' continuance, the Board of the 
American Bible Home Mission Society, adopted, by a 
vote of 7 to 5, the accompanying preamble and resolu- 
tions (adverse to appointing Mr. Reeves). One brother 
was excused from voting, on the ground that the ques- 
tion was pressed, before he had had time to make up 
his mind upon its merits. The final question was taken 
by yeas and nays (the ^st instance of the kind since 
the formation of the society), by which you may learn 



278 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

that the brethren deemed it of importance ' to define 
their position.' 

" I regret this result, and did all in my power to pre- 
vent it ; believing as I do, that the constitution knows 
nothing of slavery or anti-slavery, I besought the 
brethren to act as we always had done, until the con- 
stitution should be altered. I suppose there will be a 
separation between the North and South next April, in 
our Home Mission operations ; as many brethren have 
declared their unwillingness to commission a slave- 
holder as a missionary, although I have assured them 
that we must appoint such ministers as the South fellow- 
ship and recommend, or the society must be dissolved. 
Some of the members of our Board, who have the same 
constitutional views with myself, would have voted for 
the application from Georgia, if nothing had leen said 
about Brother Beeves being a slaveholder; but Ihey 
construed this mere matter of information into an 
ungenerous and ofi"ensive ' test^ and upon that word 
^test^ — resolutions and amendments were hung — in 
every possible shape and form, until I was sick at 
heart. 

" It is my opinion that a Southern Baptist Home Mis- 
sion Society could do more to supply preachers for the 
South, than the National Society has ever done ; and I 
suppose there are brethren in Eichmond to form an 
efficient board. 

" My aim and prayer has been to separate the South 
and North, if we must sepa/pate^ kindly, and like good 
Baptists ; and if we should have a balance in our Trea- 
sury, belonging to the South, I would have it repaid 
honestly to the last cent. But my fear is, not only that 
the Home Mission Society will be dissolved, but that 
the South will also withdraw from our Foreign Mission 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 279 

and Bible Society, and this would be disastrous in 
many waj^ ; and this Idst we must prevent if the Lord 
will. 

" Were I in the sunny South, I should see a wide field 
opened for the spread of the Gospel among Indians and 
negroes, as well as destitute whites. Baptists have 
both men and money — but where is the heart to use 
them ? 

" With your views of the independence of the 
churches, and their right to decide the standing of min- 
isters and members, I, of course, cordially agree. 
Indeed, it fills me with surprise that any Bajptist of 
sound mind should think or act differently. But I have 
lived to see good brethren think one sentiment, and act 
out another ; and then be very much hurt if charged 
with inconsistency." 

This letter fully demonstrates, that, if his counsels 
could have prevailed, the unhappy division would not 
have occurred, which has wrought such mischief in our 
denomination, and which, taken in connection with like 
divisions in other religious denominations threatens to 
dissolve the ties which bind the United States together, 
and bring our national government to an end." 

The efforts for the amelioration of the condition of the 
American Indian, and the spread of the Gospel among 
the different tribes, opens an interesting and varied 
chapter in the history of Baptist Home Missions. Mr. 
Cone's early and never-flagging interest in them ; his 
close and fraternal connection with their chief mission- 
ary, and the well-known frequency of his appeals in 
behalf of those to whom the advancement of civiliza- 
tion on this continent had brought only misery and 
injustice, ally the subject intimately with the record of 
his life. Previous, however, to entering upon a more 
detailed statement of the Indian mission and his connec- 



280 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 



tioii witli it, we insert here a communication from the 
Rev. John Bates of Cascade, Iowa, going to illustrate his 
general interest in all missionary operations. The Rev. 
Mr. Bates says : " It was in April, 1848, that I landed 
in New York, a perfect stranger, to beg for the erection 
of a Baptist meeting-house in Ireland. From the fact 
that Mr. Dunbar, I think, of McDougal street, had sent 
a communication to Ireland about the famine, I found 
him out and called to see him. He said, ' Tou had better 
call and see Brother Cone, as all will be pretty much 
guided by his movement.' I called on him, told him 
my tale, and he replied in substance as follows (I would 
not defend the words but the substance is perfectly true). 
" I am glad to see you, but you can get nothing to build 
churches. We are flooded with men for this object 
from the West. Could you not beg for your Irish 
Society ? That is doing a noble work, and then I will 
help you as far as I can. Yet, I fear you may not get 
much, as we have our Home Mission now, and are in 
that respect differently circumstanced to what we were 
when Brother Davis was here in 1832, and collected 
between $5,000 and $6,000 to aid your society. After a 
little more conversation about my object, and an invita- 
tion to call upon him whenever I wanted advice, in 
withdrawing, he said, " I shall make a recommendation 
of your object in your collecting-book, give you a sub- 
scription myself, and the First Church will take up a col- 
lection on your behalf. We must do something for poor 
Ireland^ whether it is in building the meeting-house or 
for the funds of the society. 

" In writing the recommendation in my collecting- 
book, he urged ' the churches cheerfully and promptly 
to aid in this work,' setting an example by giving a 
donation of $10 himself, and his church the largest col- 
lection I had from any one in America. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 281 

" I preached for him several times, and frequently 
called on him for advice, as he took a lively interest in 
the object of my visit, and ' deeply felt the necessity of 
spreading the Gospel in Ireland, as the only remedy for 
her woes.' 

" One day, in walking with him from his own resi- 
dence to the First Church, he paused, and said, as he 
gently put his hand on my shoulder, 'Brother Bates, 
I wish you would send for your family and stop in 
America.' I replied that I must go back, and inquired 
' if Ireland did not need the Gospel V ' Oh, yes,' was 
his prompt reply ; ' go back and labor in that destitute 
country, and God bless you. Situated as it is on the 
great pathway of the Atlantic, from England to Amer- 
ica, it ought to be occupied by American as well as 
English Baptists, seeing that so many come to our 
shores." In conversing with him on this point, he 
evidently felt much for Ireland, and thought that it was 
^ ground for American missions quite as much as 
English," and if any project had been started among 
the English and American Baptists for the more perfect 
occupation of the island, I believe that his heart and 
soul would have been thrown into the subject. 

" As regards any description of him as a preacher, I 
feel that I am unable for the task. He possessed clear 
views of Divine truth, and in an eloquent manner pecu- 
liarly his own, he proclaimed the message of Divine 
mercy in silvery tones, with beautiful simplicity, great 
tenderness, and earnest zeal. The great characteristics 
of his heart and mind seemed to be an invincible desire 
to set forth the Gospel in all its heavenly light, linked 
with an unquenchable thirst for the salvation of men." 

To return, however, to the subject of Indian missions 
from which the kind and valuable letter just given has 
diverted us. 



282 LIFE OF SPENCER HOTiaHTON CONE. 

In 1817, Isaac McCoy was appointed by the Board 
of Managers of the Baptist Missionary Convention, for 
the United States, a Missionary to the American Indi- 
ans. His earlier labors were performed in Indiana and 
Illinois, then the realization of that indefinite American 
idea, "the far West." The acquaintance of Isaac McCoy 
with the subject of our memoir commenced at a very 
esLvly period of his missionary enterprise. The word 
enterprise is, indeed, the only one which describes the 
undertaking. It was long considered almost chimerical 
to attempt anything for the moral or physical ameliora- 
tion of the condition of the American Indian, and the 
best men doubted the wisdom or practicability of the 
effort. Indeed, even after the astonishing successes of 
Isaac McCoy, successes achieved in the teeth of every- 
thing that would have disheartened a man less sanguine, 
or less faithful, no clear and hearty support was ever 
afforded him. It was the task of Spencer H. Cone, a 
task performed with the ungrudging heartiness of faith 
and love, to stand between him and many who failed to 
comprehend the value of his services in the cause of 
missions, or the generous scope of his benevolence. 
Thus, when unfounded tales had been told to McCoy's 
discredit, and the majority of the Board of Missions in 
Boston were inclined to believe, and act upon them, 
he says, in a letter to Dr. BoUes, secretary of the Board 
of Missions, December 29th, 1829, " I am not inclined 

to put • and McCoy on the same shelf. It is not in 

my nature to give up a friend heeause others do^ and, 
therefore, without intending the slightest disrespect to 
the pious and intelligent Boston brethren, I must wait 
for more light." 

He waited ; the light shone on the character of Mc- 
Coy, and showed him, by every new discovery, to be only 
the more worthy of friendship, affection, and support. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 283 

Isaac McCoy was one of the most lovable men we 
ever had the happmess of being acquainted with. Liv- 
ing his whole life amongst wild Indian tribes, and 
wilder frontiers-men ; living a life of exposure, vicissi- 
tude, and hardships scarcely to be described ; always in 
the saddle or the camp, and every day risking life and 
limb to preach the Gospel amongst those whom all the 
rest of the world seemed to conspire to destroy or 
forget — his mind and manners, instead of becoming 
rude or hard in these rough uses and associations, grew, 
all the while, softer, holier, and more loving. Nothing 
could be finer than his manners. Never familiar, and 
carrying in his quiet eye an indescribable something, 
which prevented any one from ever being familiar with 
him, he never repelled. On the contrary, he attracted ; 
children loved him. Men were compelled to feel, in his 
company, that they were near something, good, kind, and 
noble. The warm coloring of the heart tinged his words 
and manner, quiet as they were, in everything he did or 
said. If you had done anything true or good, you knew 
he loved you for it. When he looked at you, you felt 
there was no selfish thought or scheme working in his 
mind ; but that he was thinking what he could do for 
your benefit, or happiness, or for the benefit of some poor 
soul that was in need of others' help and kindness. 

That two such hearts as his and Spencer H. Cone's 
should beat in unison ; that their trust and confidence in 
each other should be without limit or reserve, was a 
thing of course. To know each other but a little, was 
to ripen acquaintance into friendship ; to know each 
other better, and have their hearts laid into each other's 
hands, as they soon were, like open books where every 
pure and generous thought was plainly written, was to 
deepen friendship into a loving brotherhood strong as 
" that of Jonathan and David. " I love McCoy tenderly," 



284 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

he says, to Dr. Bolles, in a letter dated April 26 th, 1827. 
Hon. Heman Lincoln says, in a late letter to us : " Your 
father was deeply interested in the welfare of the Indian 
tribes on the frontiers of our country. He was actively 
engaged in many important measures for their instruc- 
tion and conversion to Christianity. Our friend, Isaac 
McCoy, who devoted his life to the benefit of the red- 
men of the forest, depended more upon his counsel 
and assistance than upon any other individual. They 
are now, we hope, mutually reaping their reward in 
Heaven." One accustomed to distinguish betwen men, 
or observe with any nicety the shades of human char- 
acter and human callings as developed in their manner, 
would, before they knew his occupation, have fancied 
Isaac McCoy habitually the denizen of a court. There 
could be no finer illustration of how much the heart has 
to do with the bearing and manner, than was shown in 
him, and it is, therefore, worthy to be recorded, as high 
evidence of the truth, that a Christian gentleman is the 
most perfect gentleman in the world. The manners of 
the courtier may have exquisite finish and polish, as the 
result of daily intercourse with the refined and great, 
but something too much of care and nicety betrays 
them often to be merely the fine covering of gross 
wishes and selfish purpose. When, however, as in 
Isaac McCoy, to a heart all love to man, and faith in 
God, is added the warm glow of its passionate and eager 
longing after opportunity to do good to all men, elegance 
of manner comes to be but the reflection of a holy and 
universal benevolence. 

McCoy had not only to contend with nature in its 
ruggedest form, and learn the full penalty of Adam in 
breasting the seasons' change ; not only to meet the dif- 
ficulties of an intercourse with wild men and savage 
habits, but away beyond the limits of civilized life, he 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 285 

\vas met and opposed, and often thwarted, by one of its 
most dangerous developments. The ubiquitous Jesuit 
followed or preceded him, and busied himself with 
sowing doubt in the minds of the red-men of the forest, 
and planting thorns everywhere beside the pathway of 
the Baptist Missionary. At Fort Wayne, one of his 
earliest stations, he came first in contact with them, and 
recognized a new and powerful element of opposition. 
Three priests visited the station, one immediately 
commenced preaching on the subject of Baptism. "I 
soon became convinced," says McCoy, " that his design 
w^as to provoke altercation w-ith me, wdiich he might, 
through the Catholics mingling w^ith the Indians, turn to 
the disadvantage of our mission. I had been admonish- 
ed by their prejudices, soon after I became a missionary, 
to be ever on the alert w4th regard to them." His con- 
ciliatory bearing, and refusal to enter npon a warfare of 
polemics before such an audience, averted the threatened 
storm. 

Certain of his own brethren were quite as hostile as 
the Jesuit missionaries. ''In 1818," he says, "1 met 
at the Silver Creek Baptist Association, in Indiana, a 
certain minister of that State, who violently opposed all 
our missionary operations, and, as I thought, needlessly 
provoked altercation, not to say strife. He was marshal 
of the State, and, in discharge of official duties, visited 
Fort Wayne in 1822." 

McCoy invited this violent opposer to his house ; 
showed him his school, and his scholars ; gave him the 
opportunity of making himself fairly and fully acquaint- 
ed with all he had done, and was doing. The effect ot 
personal acquaintance with the facts, was such that, " on 
his return home, he wrote to Colonel Eichard M. John- 
son, then a member of Congress, highly commending 
tte mission, its prospects, &c." 



286 LIFE OF SPENCER HOrGHTON CONE. 

The marshal of Indiana was not a solitary instance 
of perverse sentiments prevailing in the Baptist mind 
with regard to the Indian Mission : and against both 
lukewarm friends and open foes, McCoy had scarcely a 
single unwavering supporter, in the leading men of the 
denomination, besides Mr. Cone, for some of the most 
laborious and trying years of his missionary life. 

Left without resources in the very commencement of 
his labors, and when everything began to bear the most 
favorable aspect for their success ; oppressed with debt 
contracted for support of the mission and its schools, he 
set out in company w^ith the mail carrier, and traversed 
the desert to Detroit. '' On reaching Detroit, my busi- 
ness was with General Cass (then Governor of Michigan 
Territory), who listened to the story of our wants with a 
sympathy that does honor to humanity, and having 
control of some public means, he was so kind as to 
promise me aid. He furnished about four hundred and 
fifty dollars' worth of clothing and food for our Indian 
scholars." 

To General Cass, indeed, the mission was frequently 
indebted for invaluable services. Its rivals and oppo- 
nents, the Catholics, were openly favored by many 
Indian agents and men holding official station on the 
frontier, to the prejudice and exclusion of the Baptist 
missions and missionaries from the benefit of lands and 
funds set apart by government for the purpose of Indian 
education and improvement. The wrong and injustice 
was very great, and conflicted directly with the spirit 
and intention of the authorities at Washington, and the 
policy of the American government, in matters of 
religious concern. That policy has been under all 
administrations to preserve a strict impartiality, and 
apply the funds set apart for the improvement of the con- 
dition of the Indian tribes, without reference to sectarian 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 287 

f 

systems or divisions. To prevent the pervei*sion of 
government funds and lands, McCoy depended' greatly 
upon Mr. Cone's acquaintance and influence with Andrew 
Jackson, Lewis Cass, and Richard M. Johnson — the 
three men, of all the men in the United States, who took 
the most direct, and constant interest in the Indian 
tribes and were always foremost to do. them good, as 
far as their personal or official power extended. 

The financial condition of the mission was but little 
improved down to the year 1833 ; occasional aid was 
procured from government, and the Board of Missions, 
but from neither sufficient to relieve them entirely from 
their embarrassments. 

June 20th, 1833, McCoy writes to Rev. Charles E. 
"Wilson, " Our friend, Mr. S. H. Cone, has recently had 
a personal interview with the Secretary of War (General 
Cass) on the subject of the Baptist mission amongst the 
Choctaws. The Secretary has promised to appoint you 
one of the three teachers stipulated for in the treaty of 
Dancing Rabbit Creek, ^ ^ ^ "^ forward your 
testimonials to Dr. BoUes, also a copy to Mr. Cone, and 
one to me. 

" You will perceive by the treaty at Doak's stand, 
October, 1820, that 54 sections (640 acres each) of land 
are to be sold to raise a fund for the support of schools. 
By the treaty at Dancing Creek, 1830, the United States 
agreed to keep 40 Choctaw youths in school for twenty 
years. This I presume has been intended for Colonel 
Johnson's school. 

''By the treaty at Washington, January, 1825, the 
sum of $6,000, annually, for twenty years, is to be applied 
to the support of schools in the Choctaw nation. 

" It seems to be the opinion of Mr. Cone that with 
the $6,000 annual appropriation it is contemplated by 
the government to establish in the nation about ten 



288 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

primary schools, and that the three schools provided for 
by the treaty of 1830, under the management of the 
three teachers, shall be schools of a higher order." 

In a letter to Dr. BoUes, August, 27th, 1830, Mr. Cone 
says — " Suppose the government should choose to do 
nothing for another year or two ; must we be still and 
not lift a finger in the cause ; are our benevolent enter- 
prises suspended upon the will of politicians and ungodly 
men ? I hope not. I have no doubt that missionaries 
could be called out, and funds raised for their support 
(with reference to the American Indians) with just as 
much ease as has been accomplished for the heathen 
abroad ;" and in a letter to the same, October 13th5 
1830 : " It is a grief to me that I am not able to coin- 
cide with the views of the board, as expressed in yours 
of 16th ultimo. You say, ' we have had our convictions 
severely tried, whether we should continue to have any 
connection with the government," and yet you say — 
' it appears to us inexpedient to do more than follow 
them ; but hazard nothing by anticipation,^^ Now I 
cannot think it right to follow or w^ait for government 
or ungodly men, in this matter. It is our duty to go 
forward ; if the earth be made to help the woman, it is 
well ; but if not, the Master still says to us, ' Go ye — 
preach the Gospel,' &c. And relying on His promised 
aid, we must with sacred courage go. There are 
already many Indians west of the Mississippi — have they 
no claims upon us ?" 

In a letter of the same date as the last quoted from 
him, McCoy writes to Mr. Cone — '' I rejoice much to 
hear of the favorable reception you met with at 
Washington. I have no doubt that much benefit will 
be produced by your visit. Your visits to that place 
must be repeated. I have heard nothing as yet from 
General Clark about surveying — I hope I shall soon. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOTJGHTOIS' CONE. 289 

I am sensibly aflTected, and so are my family, with your 
kindness in offering to contribute towards our support. 
May the Lord abundantly reward you and yours with 
better things than ' the meat that perisheth.' Should 
necessity oblige me, I shall thankfully avail myself of 
your kindness. Still I hope that the Lord will provide 
some other way for me to live. It is a source of much 
grief to me that the procuring support for my family, 
under my peculiar circumstances, occupies my head 
and my hand so much as greatly to abridge their labors 
in Indian matters. Be assured that your solicitude for 
the welfare of the Indians, and your kindness to me, are 
appreciated." 

McCoy and all that concerned him lay constantly at 
his heart, and were the daily subject of his thoughts and 
prayers. He knew his devoted spirit, his noble sacritice 
of every selfish consideration to the call of duty, and 
sympathized with them. How could he do otherwise, 
with such a touching evidence as the following before 
him. " I think," says McCoy, " I will tug along as I 
am some three or four months longer. If the matter of 
giving to the Indians a permanent home and territorial 
government were once established on a footing that 
would fticilitate the labors of missionaries, I should feel 
the less concern about the manner of spending the little 
life which remains to me. 

" Do not imagine, my dear friend, that because I am 
earning nothing for the support of my family, I am 
doing nothing in Indian business. I am busily employed 
in labors for the benefit of these poor people, and hope 
to continue busy until about the time that the last loaf 
comes to the tdbleP 

Long before this Mr. Cone had learned so well to 
-appreciate the " dauntless temper of his mind," and the 

13 



290 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

character of his services as a missionary, that he writes 
to Dr. BoUes : 

" I know not how it is, my brother, but the sentiment 
is deeply imprinted upon my heart, that while the 
Elliots and Brainards are remembered, the name of 
Isaac McCoy, the red-man's benefactor, will not be for- 
gotten. Let us think of him in our daily orisons." 

To entirely understand McCoy's position, it must be 
kept in mind, that his constant desire and ambition was 
to pursue his course as a missionary with as little help 
from the Board of Missions as possible. Thus he says, in 
the same letter : ^^ Whatever may be the duty of the 
Board in respect to offering me a living, I am deter- 
mined not to accept of a dollar, so long as I can live 
without it and still work for the Indians.'' 

His main dependence, therefore, was upon the gov- 
ernment of the United States, and in their employment 
as a surveyor of government lands, or other small offices 
in and about the Indian reservations, he contrived 
to eke out a precarious subsistence. To many of these 
Mr. Cone had the happiness of being able to procure his 
appointment. "What men of the world would think a 
foolish honesty prevented McCoy from being a very 
rich man. At almost every cession of their lands to the 
United States by the Indian tribes, they insisted upon 
making it one of the conditions of the cession that he 
should receive a part of the land conveyed, and the 
expression of their desire would have ensured the 
prompt ac'quiescence of the government. But he inva- 
riably and peremptorily forbade it. His desire was for 
the soul of the Indian, not his lands ; and his knowledge 
of human nature taught him that the least appearance 
even of a selfish care of his own interests would destroy 
his usefulness amongst them as a missionary. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 291 

What kind of a life he chose, rather than one of ease 
and opulence, appears by an extract or two from a letter 
of 1835, to Mr. Cone. '^Not long since, Mr. Lykins 
received a letter from yon, in which you informed him 
that the Secretary of War had directed that surveying 
should be given me, sufficient to employ my time 
through the year, and directing him to inform you if I 
had been thus employed. In answer to you, I say, that 
they wrote me from the War Office that General William 
Clark, superintendent for Indian affairs in St. Louis, had 
been directed to employ me to survey one tract on the 
Mississippi, provided he had not previously made an 
arrangement with some other person to perform the 
work. Clark wTote me that he had employed another 
person prior to receiving instructions from the Secretary 
of War in my favor. This I believe was not true. But 
it happened as I expected when I discovered that there 
was a discretion left with Clark. General Clark is 
Tinder the influence of the St. Louis Catholics, and of St. 
Louis infidelity. He has, ever been fair to my face, but 
he has never been my friend, and he will not do 
anything for me, only as he is compelled, I have no 
business from government. About half my time I 
employ in writing, and in other matters relating to our 
missions. The other half I spend in posting looTcs for 
neighhoring merchants^ for which I receive moderate 
i wages. We have also three or four men commonly 
boarding with us, which brings us a little profit and 
a good deal of trouble. By these means, and by selling 
some movable property, which we could spare with 
least inconvenience, I am yet unembarrassed in pecuni- 
ary circumstances. 

''I feel ashamed to trouble you with these little 
things when you have so many mighty men and matters 



292 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

to engross your attention, hut ITcnow who I am writing 

tor 

He knew well who he was writing to, and his confi- 
dence was not misplaced, as the prompt action of the 
government proved. In his next, Mr. McCoy writes, 
"Your valuable letters of the 5th September were 
received here. in my absence to St. Louis. The corres- 
pondence which you had the kindness to open with the 
Secretary of War in my behalf, resulted in a communi- 
cation promptly made to me by General Clark, proposing 
to give me the surveying of the northern boundaries of 
the Osage and Kansas lands. Clark had intended 
to give the work to another person had you not inter- 
posed in my behalf. I have taken it. It will be four or 
five months' labor, and will be worth to me six or seven 
hundred dollars. I believe your kindness to me will be 
rewarded to you and yours by our Heavenly Father." 

Five years before this time Isaac McCoy was one 
winter a guest at Mr. Cone's house, in New York under 
very painful circumstances, and whilst there all the 
family learned to love him. 

He had arrived one very cold day in the mid- winter 
when most of the family were absent. The servant 
admitted him. He put oft' his overcoat, and asked for 
water to wash his face and hands. He then sat down 
in the parlor, and waited quietly the return of some of 
the family. He must have remained thus for more 
than an hour. When Mr. and Mrs. Cone came in, 
after exchanging the usual greetings of friends who had 
been long separated, and answering the many questions 
always put at such times, he said quietly : 

" We have had an accident coming from Philadelphia, 
and I fear I am seriously injured. I believe, Brother 
Cone, some of my ribs are broken." 



\ 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 293 

Everybody was, of couf se, instantly on the alert to aid 
him. Mr. Cone assisted him to his chamber, and put 
him to bed, and for nearly six weeks he had to lift and 
turn him like an infant. 

His own account, given in his '' History of Indian 
Affairs," published in 1840, shows against what suffering 
he sustained himself, without a groan or complaint on 
that occasion. 

"At this time the subject of Indian removal was 
warmly agitated, and numerous memorials reached 
Congress, opposed to the collocation of the tribes in the 
West. In order that those in Congress who opposed the 
measure might not have all the argument to be drawn 
from memorials on their side, I wrote to friends in divers 
places what I deemed to be the true state of the case. 
In order also to promote right views in reference to 
memorializing Congress, and to confer with the board, 
at its request, I went to Philadelphia, where I remained 
ten days. I had left Philadelphia but a few miles for 
New York, on the 13 th of February, 1830, when the 
stage capsized, and so injured me that for sometime my 
recovery was doubtful. One of my shoulders was much 
injured, several ribs broken, and my chest was so 
crushed by a vast weight which fell upon me, that my 
breast and sides ever after remained much out of natu- 
ral shape. 

At the time, I thought it probable that I should not 
recover, and made a vigorous effort to reach the residence 
of my untiring friend, Mr. Cone, in New York. I was 
conducted into his hospitable dwelling under circum- 
stances which scarcely admitted a hope that I should 
leave it with life. Here, with Mr. and Mrs. Cone, I 
remained thirty-seven days, and when I left I was 
barely able to move, being exceedingly sore and in 
much pain. The kindness of these good people made a 



294t LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

deep impression on my sense' of gratitude, and that of 
all inj family. To their unremitted attention and their 
ardent sympathies, and sensible and consoHng conversa- 
tion, when anxieties respecting my family, the Indians, 
and the missionaries, were rapidly accumulating, may 
be attributed in a great degree the agency which a gra- 
cious God employed for my restoration. No doubt such 
acts of kindness are noticed in heaven." 

During his illness he had endeared himself to the 
family by his patience in suffering, and the sweetness of 
his manners, and they all jjarted with him with unaffec- 
ted sorrow. 

Crushed and helpless as he was, Mr. Cone was, of 
necessity as well as choice, his constant nurse. McCoy 
could not make the slightest effort either to turn or 
change his position in the bed. His friend's great phy- 
sical strength made him, under such circumstances, a 
tenderer nurse than the kindest woman could have been. 
He moved and handled him as if he were a child. Time 
has not effaced the impression on their minds who were 
the daily observers of those scenes. Nothiug could be 
more touching than to see those two men, whose lives 
were governed by the same lofty sentiment of devotion 
to the cause of human regeneration, giving and receiving 
from each other the tenderest evidences of an almost 
womanly affection. 

If anything could increase the interest felt by Mr. 
Cone in Indian missions, or enlist his sympathies and 
efforts more actively in their behalf, it can hardly be 
doubted that the relationship established between him- 
self and Mr. McCoy at this time had such a tendency. 

McCoy's ideas were never restricted to laboring as a 
missionary in a single tribe. His mind was large and 
comprehensive. All its powers were devoted without 
intermission or distraction to the subject of the Indians. 



LIFE OF SPEXCER HOUGHTON CONE. 295 

He desired their conversion to Christianity, bnt lie took 
in at a grasp, all the accidents and peculiarities of their 
position and relationship to the whites, and saw the 
necessity of combining their moral instruction with a 
certain physical and social process of gradual concen- 
tration and elevation. 

In Mr. Cone he found a kindred spirit, capable of 
holding all the threads of the difficult web it was neces- 
sary to weave. The interest of speculators, Indian 
traders, government agents, and a thousand others, 
exercising a large influence at "Washington, and on the 
public mind, was interfered with by the success of the 
missions. The elevation of the social condition of the 
Indian rescued him from the influences of intemperance, 
and all the crimes out of which their craft made great 
gain. Separated himself by more than a thousand miles 
from the centre to which all these influences against 
him directed themselves, and from which they levelled 
their secret attacks, McCoy depended constantly upon 
his friend Mr. Cone, to frustrate or divert them. The 
following extract, from. a private letter of McCoy's, very 
briefly and strongly develops the spirit which actuated 
and sustained the difficulties which surrounded him. 

'• Tou will easily perceive the critical state of Indian 
affairs at this time. For the two latter sessions of Con- 
gress, the scale has hung in suspense, or it has rather 
indicated a preponderance unfavorable to the Indians. 

" Do not accuse me of arrogance on account of the 
remarks which I make to you. I am sensible of my 
want of qualiflcation, for the work about which I am 
talking. I entered upon it because I believed it ought 
to be done, and no one else appeared inclined to do it. 
I have no hope of success only as Ilabor on my hiees. 

" I have recently received information from govern- 
ment, that there is no surveying or other business that 



296 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

can be given me tlais year (1835). I am now consmning 
the proceeds of a little property that I owned before I 
became a missionary, and a little bequeathed to us by 
my son Rice, neither of which I have ever supposed 
that I could consume without great injustice to the 
portion of my family which is still dependent upon me, 
and which would have no other resources in the event 
of my death." 

And in reference to the effect of restricting himself to 
a single station : 

" Should I locate within an Indian tribe, and receive 
support from the Board, my labors would become 
limited to that tribe. With the views which the Board 
possess, I could do nothing for the promotion of the 
Indian cause generally. My injluence with govern- 
ment would be destroyed. Had some person feeliugly 
interested in the welfare of the Indians, been in 
"Washington during the session before last, the Bill for 
the organization of the Indian territory would probably 
have passed." 

McCoy's " History of Indian Affairs," refers constantly 
to Mr, Cone, and the part he took in sustaining the 
Indian missionaries and their cause. 

" Rev. Mr. Cone, of Kew York, was a friend who 
never forgot us, whether we were near or far off, who 
kept himself informed of our circumstances, and whose 
generosity was equal to his zeal. 

" About this time (September 1830), we had become 
so scarce of funds that we were obliged to borrow 
money to fit out Mr. Lykins for Michigan, and for the 
support of our families, though I hoped to be able to 
pay out of my earnings from government^ when I 
should receive it. Mr, Cone, knowing that we must 
necessarily be scarce of funds, and that we were in a 
land of strangers, wrote us, saying, that if we were in 



LITE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 297 

want of funds we might draw on him. We were happy 
that by credit in our place we were not under the neces- 
sity of availing ourselves of his liberality. Some time 
afterwards I accepted of a similar offer, and received of 
him a considerable sum, all of which I was afterwards 
enabled to return." 

We are sorry that we have been unable to obtain all 
Mr. Cone's letters to Mr. McCoy; the few that have 
been put at our disposal through the kindness of the 
Kev. J. Lykins, and which were all he was able to 
collect at the time, relate chiefly to business matters 
connected with Indian missions, and would probably 
not be generally interesting. 

None of Mr. Cone's many addresses on the subject 
were ever reported. The habit of reporting the pro- 
ceedings of benevolent societies, is indeed of very recent 
date, and we owe its benefits entirely to the enterprise 
of the American newspaper press. To the casual reports 
of the New York press, made for the purpose of placing 
before their readers specimens of the pulpit oratory of 
the day, by distinguished clergymen of different 
denominations, we owe all that is preserved of the 
sermons delivered by Mr. Cone. 

Isaac McCoy, the great, intrepid, and devoted friend 
of the Indian, and faithful servant of the Cross, died in 
1846. 

Some record of his labors, and a mine of information 
with regard to the native red-men of the American 
Forest, are preserved in his ''History of Indian Affairs." 
His appreciation of the value of Mr. Cone's services in 
the cause of Indian Missions appears from its dedica- 
tion :— 



18 



:* 



298 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

TO 

SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE, 

President of the General Convention of the Baptist 

Denomination in the United States, for Foreign 

Missions, and other important objects 

Relating to the Redeemer's 

Kingdom, 

THE CONSTANT AND ARDENT FRIEND OP THE INDIANS, 

and for the last twenty-five years the efl&cient promoter of their 

Temporal and Spiritual welfare. 

The following pages are respectfully inscribed by 

THE AUTHOR. 

Mr. Cone, writing to Mrs. McCoy, July 30th, 1846, 
says : " Your excellent husband, whom I truly loved, 
has been taken away; and you are left to weep as others 
cannot weep. The world with all it calls good or great 
can offer you no 'consolation : but there is a Friend who 
sticketh closer than a brother. Your dear McCoy has 
obtained his discharge from the militant army a little 
sooner than we have, that is all ; we must not grieve 
that he is happy hefore us, having joined the triumphant 
Host above." ^ ^ ^ 

In this brief and imperfect sketch of the labors of 
Isaac McCoy, we feel the delightful assurance that we 
are to the best of our abilities discharging an inherited 
duty. It was an often expressed sentiment of Mr. 
Cone's heart, that American Baptists had never suf- 
ficiently appreciated the life-long devotion of that 
" friend of the red-man," to the cause of Indian Mis- 
sions. 



LIFE OF SPE]S"CER HOUGHTON CONE. 299 



CHAPTER XYII 



rOEEIGN MISSIONS. 



On the occasion of Mrs. Wade's visit to Philadelphia, 
in 1834, his sister Martha writes to him, " Mrs. Wade 
told me you were a dear friend of hers before ever you 
saw her." The same feeling of friendship and reliance 
possessed the hearts of almost all the missionaries in for- 
eign lands. His whole course of action showed them 
that he thought for them as he would for himself; and 
made their griefs, and wants, and trials his own. From 
this it resulted that he frequently dissented from the 
decisions of the Acting Board at Boston, and interposed 
his influence between the missionaries and it. Whether 
separated by many thousand miles of ocean from the 
missionary, or in daily intercourse with the Board, 
he neither forgot the one, nor allowed himself to be 
unduly influenced by the other. His position was always 
that of mediator and peace-maker in every difficulty or 
misunderstanding which might arise between them. 
His heart was in the cause; his eye glanced over all the 
field ; and he viewed the whole system as a great war, 
in which too many mighty interests were involved, to 
allow auy trifling or unworthy cause to disturb the har- 
mony of its combinations. In a letter to Rev. T. T. 
Devan, February 4tli, 1860, he says, in reference to 
united efi*ort, " I think I have looked over all this 
subject for many years, carefully. I have occupied 
from the commencement of our foreign missionary oper- 



300 LIFE OF SPENCER HOXJGHTON CONE. 

ations, such, a position that everybody knew I would 
go for unioriy and were there now anything that could 
be construed into a want of confidence in the existing 
organization, too many, alas ! would be ready to say, I 
pray thee have me excused." At the same time he felt 
that every missionary was a fellow-soldier, who was 
nobly offering his life to that cause, and his constant 
effort was to keep them before the Board in that light. 
Thus writing to Dr. Peck, in 184:1, he says, " It is and 
has heen my opinion that all may be set right by a cor- 
respondence imbued with brotherly love ; based upon the 
fact that missionaries love the cause of missions quite as 
well as those who remain at home and dwell in their 
own ceiled houses." 

It appears from his letters that he constantly urged 
wider scope of effort, and the occupation of every field 
their means permitted. He was for no tardy or hesitat- 
ing course. He was not willing that the heathen 
should be left to perish whilst the soldier of the Cross 
spent years in buckling on his armor. As for instance, 
in a letter to Dr. BoUes, dated December 27th, 1830, he 
says, " The value of education I certainly appreciate, 
and think a preacher of the Gospel cannot know too 
much, although, it sometimes unhappily occurs, to use 
the language of L. Richmond, that Christ is crucified in 
the pulpit, between the classics and mathematics. 
Those missionaries destined, like Judson, to translate 
the Word of God, should be ripe scholars, before this 
branch of their work is performed ; but I am still of 
opinion that the learning of Dr. Gill himself would have 
aided him but little, had he been a missionary to 
our American Indians." 

In the same letter, he says, " I drew the conclusion 
that some of the members of the Acting Board are 
opposed to the establishment of a mission in Greece, 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON' CONE. 301 

I regret this fact very much. We are commanded 
to preach the Gospel to every creature. Can we give 
any good reason for not preaching it in Greece ? The 
'New Testament was written in Greek ; a large propor- 
tion of primitive churches were planted where the 
language was spoken, and our denominational views are 
evidently strengthened and extended by an acquaintance 
with Greek." 

In 1831, he urges also the planting of a mission 
in France, and indeed procured the occupation of that 
field and the appointment of the first Baptist Missionary 
sent there by the Board, Professor Kostan, to whose 
talent, ardent piety, and reputation as an able expound- 
er of the Scriptures, he says, the most competent judges 
bear high testimony. " As an expounder of the Word 
of God, he was considered," he says, " by foes as well 
as friends, one of the most gifted and powerful men 
in France. He has the boldness of a Luther in his 
Master's cause, and would march into the lion's den 
without fiinching, if duty called to the enterprise." 
Such men he loved. 

Hon. Heman Lincoln says of Mr. Cone, " He was one 
of the earliest friends of Foreign Missions, and uniformly 
manifested the deepest interest in that great enterprise 
till the close of his useful life. In seasons of depression 
he was always hopeful, and did much to cheer and 
encourage the hearts of his brethren." 

We have said elsewhere that he had many of the 
qualities of a successful general. A single sentence in 
one of his letters to Dr. Peck, secretary of the Board, 
shows how naturally his mind threw every plan into 
the shape it would naturally take in that of a captain. 
" Your principle of concentration," he says, "I approve. 
It is better for the purpose of conquest, to have one post 
in the enemy's country which we can maintain, than 



302 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

half-a-dozen from which to be driven one after ano- 
ther." 

The same quality of mind gave him a clear view 
of the basis upon which permanent conquests must 
be founded. He insisted that, " pure translations " of 
the Sacred Scriptures must be made for every people, 
among whom missionaries were sent, without a moment's 
unnecessary delay. Thus in 1844, he urges upon the 
Board, through its secretary, Kev. R. E. Patterson, the 
wisdom and necessity of taking immediate steps to perfect 
the Chinese version. '^Do you not," he says, " consider 
Brother Dean a good Chinese scholar? Is the man yet 
to be sent from the United States, to study the language 
and some fifteen years hence furnish us with a transla- 
tion of the New Testament? I think it of immense 
moment that he should prosecute this business of circu- 
lating the Sacred Scriptures in China, immediately and 
vigorously. If we are to wait for perfection in the 
translation department, this generation will pass away 
before Baptists are ready to do anything more than pray 
that the great wall of China may be broken down ! I 
look over our convention field, and find the living 
teacher is all the cry, and the JSible translated may be 
put upon the shelf until a more convenient season. 
There must be some new light upon this subject 
since Thomas exclaimed, ' If I had one hundred thou-' 
sand pounds, I would give it all for a Bengalee Bible.' 
Still my fixed sentiment is, the JBible and the missionary 
7nust go together. The missionary must point, to the 
Written "Word as his authority — thus saith the Lord ! 
And the converts among the heathen must have the 
Scriptures to search — to see whether the missionary 
preaches ' flesh and blood,' religion — the religion of man 
or the religion of God. I am the more impressed with 
the correctness of this sentiment from the fact — the mel- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 303 

ancL-oly fact — that a great many preachei-s, even in the 
United States at this time, do everything in their 
preaching, except explaining to the people ' God^splan 
of saving sinners.' The time has emphatically come 
when men must be directed to read the Bible for them- 
selves, and make it the lamp to their feet and the light 
to their path, amidst the Lo ! here and Lo ! there of Iw- 
iiig teacher s.^^ 

One other feature of his character, and which marked 
it as that of a man qualified for successful leadership, 
was his attention to details. He never forgot the least 
minutiae, or apparent trifles connected with a great work. 
It is related of Napoleon, that he often terrified com- 
misaries and clerks, in remote parts of his empire, by 
having them suddenly before him, and showing his 
intimate knowledge of the most petty accounts kept by 
them ; and that when he was making combinations to 
move a hundred thousand men from many difi'erent 
points widely separated,^ and concentrate them upon a 
single one, for the conquest of a kingdom, he knew 
every ration of biscuit which ought to be supplied at 
any given point on their line of march, and was par- 
ticular to inspect even the quality of the shoe-strings 
furnished by the contractors. All men really born and 
qualified for command possess this niceness of research, 
this analytical tendency of the mind to dissect the greatest 
combinations, and examine the moral or physical atoms 
of which they are composed. This was very strongly 
evinced in Mr. Cone. None of the steps or minutiae of 
a plan escaped him. He reasoned down from the effect 
desired to the smallest thing necessary to be done, as 
the commencement of a chain of sequences leading up 
to it. K the Bible is to be translated and published in 
India, he immediately examines what kind of press is the 
best to print it on ; how paper, ink, type, pressmen — 



304: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

every tiling are to be got, and how much is to be saved by 
buying in one market instead of another. For instance, 
he says to the secretary of the Board in 1830 : " In 
writing to the East, will you ask for definite information 
touching printing-ink, paper, &c. — whether they could 
not be sent from this country, of better quality and for 
less money than they can be obtained in Asia ?" 

We find him also, in 1830, suggesting the folio wing — 
" Our domestic cottons, I am told, are better and cheaper 
than those of the East ; could not some pieces be sent 
out, and be made up in Biirmah ?" A pleasant illus- 
tration of how he loved to look after everything for the 
missionaries, is given in a letter to Dr. Peck, of July 
12th, 1843 — " In a recent communication from Brother 
Judson," he says, " he laments the loss of the ' church- 
going bell,' from his Maul-main Zayat. Alas! the 
clapper was too heavy and cracked the bell, so that it 
utterly refused thenceforth to send out any pleasant 
sounds. Hence, take warning, good people all, that your 
hammers are not too heavy, for it is much easier to crack 
a bell than mend it. The moral of this history is, that 
Brother Judson wishes me to send him another bell, and 
you will oblige me by saying when you expect to have 
an opportunity to send to Burmah ?" 

As to the establishment of missionary stations, he 
says — " In my letter to the committee, as a member of 
the Board, with whom they expressed a strong desire to 
act in harmony, I gave my opinion that missionary 
stations were to be established where God ojpened the 
door — not by human calculations: thsit great cities 
were to be entered bv the heralds of the Cross, when- 
ever the way was open, and referred to the Apostles — 
infallible guides — in Jerusalem, Samaria, Antioch, the 
capitals of all Asia Minor, Philippi,, Rome, &c., and 
also Calcutta, Hamburgh, &c., in modern missions. ^ ^ 



LIEE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 30*5 

I see a great work to be done. We must be more 
devoted — more spiritually-minded — more prayerful — • 
more unselfish — or I fear the Master will not let us do 
it. If He delights in us for His dear Son's sake, then 
He will open doors in His providence, which no man 
may shut, and we shall enter and labor until He shall 
choose to say to us, one by one : ' Child, come up 
higher.' " 

We have attempted to give a few extracts from his 
letters on missionary subjects. A mere glance at them 
is all that can be ventured. Covering the history for 
denominational effort for forty years, in every quarter of 
the globe, a fair digest of them would constitute of itself 
a larger volume than the present. 

We can also barely refer to the great and successful 
effort made by him for Oncken. The history of 
Oncken's struggles, persecutions, and imprisonment in 
Germany, is yet fresh in the minds of all. Many, too, 
remember how warm the friendship which subsisted 
between Mr. Cone and himself, and how, when Oncken 
was persecuted and imprisoned for preaching in Luth- 
eran Germany that Baptism was immersion, the former 
devoted his entire energies to effect his liberation, and 
to, enlist in his behalf the governments of the United 
States and Great Britain. Oar space permits us only to 
allude to it. His efforts to raise money for Oncken and the 
circulation of the German Scriptures were vigorous, and 
continued to the end. After Oncken's visit to this 
country, and when personal acquaintance ripened admi- 
ration and esteem into warm Christian friendship, it 
may easily be conjectured that those efforts lost nothing 
of their vigor. 

Writing in 1848 to Eev. T. T. Devan, Mr. Cone says — 
" You will perceive that we are making a strenuous 
effort to raise at least $5,000 for German Scriptures, to 



306 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

be printed and circulated by Brother Oncken and his 
coadjutors. We raised at least $1,000 in the First 
Church, of which sum C. Tliomas pledged $500. 
The Lord return it into his own bosom a hundred- 
fold." 

The following interesting review of his connection 
with missionary operations has been kindly furnished 
by Baron Stow, D. D., of Boston. He says: " As my 
intercourse with your dear father, whether personal or 
by correspondence, related mainly to missionary matters, 
I have confined myself mostly to that department. 

'' I was in Europe in the spring of 1841, and therefore 
can furnish nothing from personal knowledge of the 
circumstances touching his retirement from the presi- 
dency of the General Convention. I have heard 
different versions of the matter, and never had any 
definite impression as to the real facts in the case. 

''My acquaintance with him commenced in the year 
1822, when he was pastor at Alexandria, and I was a 
member of the Freshman class, in the Columbian 
College. He had then been but a few years in the 
Christian ministry ; but I found that in the District of 
Columbia, and in Maryland and Virginia, he was held in 
high estimation, both as a man of great personal excel- 
lence, and as an eloquent preacher. Of the churches 
in that part of Yirginia, lying between the Blue Ridge 
and the Potomac, he was not far from being the idol. 

" In April, 1823, the Baptist General Convention 
held its Triennial session in Washington. Fifty-one 
delegates were present, and among them was Mr. Cone. 

Then I had the first opportunity to see proofs of that 
interest in Christian Missions for which he was so long 
distinguished. He was not a member of the Conven- 
tion at Philadelphia, in 1814, but at the next session in 
1817, he was elected a member of the Board of 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 307 

Managers, and from that day until his death he held 
some important office in the institution. 

" In April, 1826, the Convention met in Oliver street, 
Kew York, where Mr. Cone had become pastor. In. 
that meeting it was easy to perceive the growing 
influence which he was acquiring amongst his brethren, 
and to anticipate the elevated position which he was 
destined to reach. 

" Among the delegates were such men as Semple, 
Stanford, Mercer, Maclay, Staughton, Eice, Kendrick, 
Gano, BoUes, Going, and others, his seniors, whom all 
regarded with special deference ; but there was no one 
whose uttered opinions commanded more general 
respect than those of Spencer H. Cone. His views of 
missionary policy were then the same as he maintained 
to the last, and they were clearly enunciated, though 
uniformly with a considerate regard to the opinions of 
others. At that session the Convention cut loose from 
the educational interests, with which for nine years it 
had been encumbered to the great detriment of its 
missionary operations. In effecting that divorce, which 
was not accomplished without a hard struggle, Mr. 
Cone was strenuously active. He was a friend of the 
Columbian College, and of its enterprising founders ; but 
he desired a Missionary body to have singleness of 
object — -'the diffusion of the Gospel, by means of 
missions, throughout the world.' 

" I had often heard him before, and have often heard 
him since, but on no occasion have I heard him plead 
so eloquently for the heathen, as during that session of 
the Convention. He loved the cause of education, but 
he loved the great work of evangelization more, and 
many of his fervid appeals for the vigorous prosecution 
of the latter ; by the united force of the denomination I 



308 LIFE OF SPENCER HOrGHTON CONE. 

shall never forget. His spirit seemed to me to be 
peculiarly in harmony with that of the Apostles. 

" In 1832, he was elected president of the Convention ; 
of his excellence, as a presiding officer, it would be 
gratuitous to speak. It is conceded by all who ever saw 
him in the chair. He was always self-possessed ; he was 
familiar with rules of order ; he had a quick perception 
of the right and the wrong ; he controlled debate within 
the limits of Christian courtesy ; he made no mistakes ; 
he gave no offence. 

'' Such were uniformly the facts as they came under 
my observation. He served the Convention as presi- 
dent during three consecutive terms. In 1841, at his 
own suggestion, the office was filled by the appointment 
of another. 

" I well remember his presence and labors in the 
session of the Board, at Salem, Mass., in 1833. Then 
came up, for the first time, the question touching trans- 
lations, and we had the first development of his theory, 
which was destined to a prominent place in his subse- 
quent history. Some of our missionaries in South- 
Eastern Asia had solicited instructions, as to whether 
they should faithfully 'translate,' according to their 
apprehension of its meaning, the whole Bible, into the 
language of the heathen, or, following the English 
version, should ' transfer ' certain words. The response 
was given at that meeting, in those famous resolutions, 
which have since been often referred to, as containing 
the only basis on which translators of the Word of God 
can legitimately proceed with their work. No direc- 
tions were given as to the translation of any particular 
terms, but the translators in the service of the Board 
were enjoined not to 'transfer' any word, w^hich could 
be intelligibly rendered into a Heathen tongue. These 
resolutions were from the facile pen of Professor 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 309 

Knowles, and, after an able advocacy by Mr. Cone, in 
which there was a foreshadowing of what might follow, 
they were unanimously adopted. 

" In April, 1835, the Convention met at Richmond, 
Virginia ; Mr. Cone preached the sermon from ' Zord, 
what wilt thou have me to doT At that session, the 
deputation from the English Baptists was present. I 
well recollect the profound interest felt by Mr. Cone, 
when one of them, the Rev. Dr. Hoby, made certain 
inquiries touching translations. He regretted the intro- 
duction of the subject, for he apprehended the bearing 
which the discussion might have upon our relations to 
the American Bible Society, of whose board he was an 
active and deeply-interested member. The storm was 
even then brewing below the horizon, which he foresaw, 
was likely to come, and he deprecated any premature 
agitation of the subject. By skill peculiarly his own, 
he responded to Dr. Hoby, and transferred the fuller 
explanation to a private interview. 

" Allow me now to pass over the next ten years, which 
were full of events that brought him prominently for- 
ward as a leading actor. 

" To records in your possession of his ' labors more 
abundant,' I can add nothing. 

"In 1845 occurred the disruption of the General Con- 
vention. Our Southern brethren, dissatisfied with the 
answer of the " Acting Board ' at Boston, to certain 
inquiries which they had made, withdrew, and formed 
a separate organization. Mr. Cone regretted the sepa- 
tion ; he was grieved by it ; but with the true Christian 
spirit he adhered to the great enterprise, and continued 
to work with the brethren at the North, whose action in 
that case he disapproved. 

'' A special meeting of the Board was held in Philadel- 
phia, in September, to adjust certain relations with the 



810 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Southern Convention, and to deliberate npon qnestioni 
of future policy. The General Convention held its 
charter of incorporation from the Legislature of Penn- 
sylvania ; but its business had been conducted mostly 
in the District of Columbia and in Massachusetts : and 
it was more than probable that the charter was null and 
void. 

" At that meeting, it was agreed to call a special session 
of the Convention, with a view to some changes in the 
organization, and an eifort to obtain a new act of incor- 
poration. Accordingly, a committee of nine were ap- 
pointed to prepare a constitution. Four members were 
appointed from New York, one from Pennsylvania, one 
from Rhode Island, and three from Boston. Of this 
committee, Mr. Cone 'was chairman, and he proposed 
that the members from the Middle States should confer 
together, and propose their plan, and the members from 
New England should do the same. He himself drew up 
the form of a constitution, and after submitting it to his 
associates, forwarded it to Boston. A form was, in like 
manner, drawn up in New England, and transmitted to 
New York. The two were widely dissimilar, and a cor- 
respondence ensued, which resulted in the preparation 
of two new forms, which, in some respects, came nearer 
together. By correspondence, the differences were still 
further diminished ; but on some points there was a very 
decided disagreement. 

''At length the committee assembled in New York the 
day previous to the meeting of the Convention. Two 
plans of re-organization were presented and amicably 
discussed. At length it was agreed to adopt the New 
England plan, with some modifications proposed by 
Mr. Cone, and a few by other members. The result 
was not a compromise of principles, but of opinions, re- 
specting the best form of machinery. It is due to Mr 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOK CONE. 311 

Cone to say, that he was in favor of a more simple- 
organization, as better suited to the genius of the de- 
nomination, and less likely to occasion friction against 
the strong democratic element, which he well under- 
stood. But with the adoption of several of his pro- 
positions, he came cordially in with his brethren, and, 
in the closing prayer, thanked God for the fraternal 
■unanimity that had been reached. As secretary of the 
committee, I have in my possession the docnments, and 
never do I review them without emotion, at the remem- 
brance of the Christian kindness and courtesy manifested 
in the sessions of that committee. Concessions were 
made on all sides ; but it was plain to all that the greatest 
were made by Mr. Cone. The next day the constitution 
was reported as the unanimous product of the commit- 
tee. Mr. Cone made the requisite explanations, and 
defended every article and every provision as earnestly 
as if the entire instrument had been his own favorite 
oflFspring. The committee, knowing his preference for 
something different, were filled with admiration at the 
Christian magnanimity which he there exhibited. I 
believe he never altered his opinion that something else 
would have been better, but I never heard of his utter- 
ing a syllable to the dispargement of the constitution, to 
whose unanimous adoption he contributed more largely 
than any other man. His noble conduct on that occasion 
fixed him a place in many hearts, from which nothing 
has since occurred to dislodge him. Under the new 
organization, he worked with the same apparent cordi- 
ality and earnestness, as under the old. 

" He was throughout, a consistent supporter of the mis- 
sionary enterprise. He raised, mostly by personal effort, 
and paid over to the treasury, more money than any 
other Baptist pastor in the United States. He was at 
once the friend of the board of management and of the 



312 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

laborers in the foreign field. He rejoiced i;i all the 
reported successes abroad, and grieved over everything 
that conduced to diminish the efficiency of the enter- 
prise. His heart was set on two things — the giving of 
the Bible, faithfully translated, to all nations, and the 
publication of the Gospel, by means of missions, to every 
unevangelized people. To these objects, as the means 
of gathering in God's chosen, he devoted his life, his 
thinking, his labors, his prayers. Many things occurred 
that occasioned in his bosom profound anxiety ; but he 
never, under the most trying circumstances, indicated a 
wish or- a disposition to retire from the service, or to 
withhold the helping hand. At the first meeting of the 
Missionary Union, held at Brooklyn, in May, 1846, one 
of about his own age, who had from the begin^iing been 
an active home laborer, signified his wish, on account of 
advancing years, not to be re-elected to an office which 
he had long and usefully filled. I consulted Dr. Cone 
as to the propriety of passing a resolution, recognizing 
his valuable services, and expressing regret at his pur- 
posed retirement. The reply was characteristic — ' Why 
should we do that ? If you will offer a resolution that 

Brother be desired to continue in the work till his 

Master calls him home, I will second it and make a 
speech. I have enlisted for life : I intend to die with the 
harness on.' 

" In times of difficulty, the Acting Board, and after- 
wards, the Executive Committee, were accustomed to 
look to Dr. Cone for counsel. He was ever prompt to 
respond and to render any assistance in his powder. On 
more than one occasion were his services of special value, 
and in few places was his removal by death more 
seriously deplored than at the Missionary Kooms, in 
Boston. A column of great strength, and at one of the 
most important points, was smitten down at a critical 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 313 

period, and we felt that the fabric had been weakened. 
Few will do for the general cause what he has done. 

'' As the friend and supporter of foreign missions, his 
memory is fragrant." 

We have taken the Uberty of substituting " Mr. Cone," for " your father," in many 
places in the foregoing yaluahle communication of Dr. Stow.--EDS. 

For letter of President Wayland, see Appendix. 



14 



314: LIFE OF SPEIS'CER HOUGHTON CONE. 



CHAPTER XYIII. 

THE BIBLE AND THE AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY. 

Do Baptists preach the truth ? If they do^ and it he right to preach it^ 
is it not right to print it ? 

In every effort to circulate the sacred Scriptures he 
took, not only a lively interest, but a constant, earnest, 
and decided part. "When he first settled in New York, 
and for twelve years and upwards after, the American 
Bible Society occupied the whole field. Almost all 
evangelical denominations united in it. Its views 
appeared large and catholic, and its success was brilliant. 
The resolution upon which it acted, to supply every 
destitute family in the United States with a copy of the 
Bible, elicited the admiration of the Christian world. 
Stretching the arms of its benevolence as wide as the 
globe, it offered to almost every people, amongst whom 
the missionary penetrated, in their own tongue, the 
inspired record of the wonderful works of God. Differ- 
ent sects and denominations emulated each other in 
swelling its treasury, and its auxiliaries sprung up in 
every town. In this good work, the Baptists of America 
were nothing undervalued to the most ardent and gene- 
rous supporters of the institution. They gave every 
where gladly. It was a cause which appealed at once 
to their principles and their hearts. The Bible, the pure 
unadulterated Word of God, was the basis of the Baptist 
faith and practice, and its dissemination, a duty springing 
naturally and inevitably from all their principles. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 315 

With an iingniclging liberality, therefore, they poured 
their money into its coflfers. 

Mr. Cone very soon became a member, and before 
jOng, one of the leading workers in the institution. 
There as elsewhere his willingness to work, and his 
capacity to work, were immediately recognized, and a 
laboring oar put into his hands. Painstaking and 
punctual, as well as intense ; practical, and methodical, 
as well as imjDulsive — capable of not only taking a large 
view of the scope and capacities of such an institution, 
but also of grasping all the minutiae, he made himself 
rapidly acquainted wdth every part of the mere machi- 
nery of its operations. At the same time his mind 
busied itself with all the possible combinations of its 
powers, and having once mastered the mechanism of its 
action, gave it its true place and value as a mere means 
to the one great end of the conquest of the world for 
Christ. Yast and imposing as it was, and full of claims 
upon the respect of Christians, his mind was not of a 
character to be influenced by its apparent magnitude 
beyond a certain point. That point was the division- 
line between truth and error. So long as he believed it 
to be the exponent of the truth, he was ready to give 
heai't and hand to its service. It was a labor he 
delighted in. He never grew weary of it ; storm and 
shine found him at his post, and his work prepared and 
arranged for meeting, committee, or anniversary. They 
depended on him, and calculated upon him as much as 
upon one of their presses. 

In 1833 he was elected one of the corresponding sec- 
retaries, and re-elected in 1834 and 1835. 

During those years, however, many signs made it 
apparent that the spirit of Pedo-Baptism would not long 
permit its union with Baptists, even in the work of giving 
the Bible to the heathen. The action of the British and 



816 LIFE OF SPEITCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Foreign Bible Society, quickly imitated by the Ameri- 
can Bible Society, in refusing appropriations for transla- 
tions made by Baptist missionaries, precipitated the crisis. 

His Baptist coadjutors in the society at this time, were 
Dr. Maclay and Messrs. Leonard Bleecker, Garret N. 
Bleecker, William Colgate and Timothy E. Green. On 
him, however, as both able and willing to sustain it, the 
princij)al weight of the contest was thrown. 

" The Baptist missions in India were commenced by 
Carey and Thomas in 1793. From their commencement 
special attention was paid to Biblical translation, and Dr. 
Carey, who excelled as a linguist, executed more versions 
of the Sacred Scriptures into foreign languages than any 
other scholar of any age. As early as 1816, the number 
wholly or partially completed by him and his immediate 
associates was twenty-seven. During the last years of 
his life. Dr. Yates was his associate, and was his successor 
in the same employments until his own death July 3d, 
1845. The latter, in addition to several new versions 
undertaken and partially completed by him, revised and 
improved the most important of Carey's translations? 
especially the Bengali, which he brought to so high a 
degree of accuracy and elegance, as to command the 
admiration of educated natives, and of foreigners con- 
versant with the language." — The Bihle, its Excellence. 
By Sjpencer H, Cone and William H. Wychoff. 

The Kev. Messrs. Yates and Pierce revised and 
improved the Bengali translation of the New Testament 
made by Dr. Carey. They applied to the British and 
Foreign Bible Society to print it. Three Pedo-Baptist 
missionaries had anticipated their application, and 
informed the society that Yates and Pierce had transla- 
ted the word pann^G)^ to immerse. The British and 
Foreign Bible Society refused to print it. 

Yates and Pierce next applied to the American Bible 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 317 

Society. Faithfully copying the example of their 
British Pedo-Baptist brethren, the American Bible 
Society also refused. The contribution of the Baptists 
of the United States to the funds of that society had 
fallen little short of one hundred thousand dollars. Out 
of this the society had appropriated less than twenty-nine 
thousand in aid of the translations made by Baptist 
missionaries. Yet they peremptorily refused. A simple 
principle of honor, it would seem, ought to have dictated 
a different course. 

The committee of the American Bible Society 
reported, not that sprinkling, ponring, or washing, was 
the true translation, and immersion a false one, but that 
it was " inexpedient to appropriate funds in aid of trans- 
lating or distributing any version containing translations 
of the Greek words (Sarrrt^o PanriGiia and their cognates." 

Thus the rule was laid down that translators were to 
manufacture for the heathen an ingenious mosaic of 
Bengali and other dialects, " cut on Greek and Latin." 
No provision being made for the concurrent distribution 
of Greek grammars and lexicons among those remote 
people, the question among Baptists, who are a common 
sense sort of logical folk, naturally arose: how are 
they to know what it means ; and if our missionaries are 
to teach the heathen Greek for one word, of what avail 
is it to have the rest in the vernacular ? Why not put 
the Hindoos to their Greek, for the whole, at once? 
The strangest part of it was, that the refusal to aid 
translations containing the word immerse was confined 
strictly to those made by JBaptist Missionaries. The 
German Bible, and the Dutch Bible, circulated amongst, 
and read by many millions, had it so, and they never 
thought of refusing them. The shade of Luther forbade 
it. With what would seem to be a strange inconsistency, 
they patronized a version which translated the word to 



318 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

sjpTinkle\ and published Morrison's Chinese version 
which had it " to make a wash." It was something noto- 
rious also, that learned Chinese pronounced Morrison's 
version " an unintelligible jargon." Whether, viewed 
in the light of " e:^3ediency5" this was not rather a 
recommendation than otherwise, as rendering it homo- 
geneous with the practice of Greek transfers, and very 
weighty with the British and Foreign and American 
Bible Societies, their actions leave but little doubt. 

Against this course of the society, Mr. Cone strove so 
long as a hope of arresting their unwise and unphilo- 
logical tendency remained. He had recourse to every 
thing that argument, entreaty, or Christian sentiment 
could suggest. 

He urged upon them the fact, that the uniform 
practice of Baptist translators, from the commencement 
of the missions in Asia, was to translate into the vernac- 
ular tongues words relating to baptism, and other 
'' ecclesiastical " terms, as some have denominated them, 
and that this practice was never kept secret, but was 
written and talked about publicly and privately, with- 
out restriction — that Eev. Andrew Fuller, the corres- 
ponding secretary of the Baptist Missionary Society, 
in 1813, in answer to an inquiry of the secretary of the 
British and Foreign Bible Society, had replied, " In a 
letter which I lately received from Dr. Carey, he men- 
tions having received one from you, inquiring in what 
way certain words were rendered in their translations. 
Ho v/ished me to inform you that they had rendered 
Panri^G) by a word that signifies to immerse, and emaKOTTog 
by a word signifying an overseer." He further urged 
that the American Bible Society, with the full knowl- 
edge of all these facts, had aided in the circulation of 
these translations, and if it now refused to continue such 
aid, after Baptists had contributed so largely to the funds 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 319 

of the society, they might with justice complain of hay- 
ing been lured into swelling its revenues by the very 
natural belief that, at least, a reasonable proportion of 
that revenue would continue to be applied to transla- 
tions made by their missionaries. 

He showed them that the Galilean version, the first 
made, had it " immerse ;" and as Christ preached 
in Galilee and the Apostles were yet alive when it was 
made, and probably used it, it was the next best author- 
ity to the inspired original. That the next, the Ethiopic 
version, had it so also. That all the original Oriental 
versions used it. That the society published and 
circulated a Roman Catholic version in Spanish, which 
translated "repent" — ''to do penance" — and "Jacob 
worshipped the top of his staff " — instead of "Jacob wor- 
shipped icpon the top of his staff." "Which certainly 
was an indication that the patronage of versions 
differing from the English w^as not contrary to their 
principles. That the constitution of the society inter- 
posed no obstacle. That their decision was not confined 
in its effect to the versions under consideration, but 
involved principles in which all translators of the 
Scriptures were concerned. That they were about 
to say to these, either that they must faithfully trans- 
mute the Divine original into the current coin of every 
human language ; or that they must suppress and cover 
up a part of God's truth. 

The objection that Baptists refused to employ terms 
"unobjectionable" to other denominations had no force, 
for two reasons — first, that Pedo-Baptists w^ould not 
abide by the same rule, and use terms "unobjectiona- 
ble " to Baptists ; and second, that on this point there 
were but two sects in the whole Christian world, 
Immersionists, and Non-Immersionists ; Baptists, and 
Pedo-Baptists. That it was not contended that "im- 



320 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

merse " was a false translation, but merely " objection- 
able." Why objectionable ? Because it took away from 
a human ceremony the implied sanction of Holy Writ. 
The question then resolved itself into this — are human 
opinions to control the Bible, or is the Bible to control 
human opinions. 

Thus the great issue was definitely joined, and their 
heriditary task and labor of love, the defence of the 
truth against human inventions, devolved upon Baptists. 
How gallantly and fearlessly they undertook and carried 
it through in the United States, under his leadership, we 
have now to show. 

In the following pages, it will be seen that we are 
under great obligations to the Eev. Dr. Baker, of 
Williamsburg, New York, who was appointed by the* 
Board of the Bible Union to prepare an address com- 
memorative of the life and labors of Dr. Cone, especially 
as the staunch friend and supporter of pure versions of 
God's Word. 

The Baptist Missionaries in India, early distinguished 
themselves as translators of the Scriptures. No censor- 
ship impeded their work. They sought to impress upon 
their translations the exact meaning of the Holy Spirit, 
in the original, without reference to human dogmas or 
disputes. The labors of Pierce, Yates, Judson and the 
rest, attracted the warmest sympathy of Mr. Cone's 
heart. He seized the earliest opportunity for its expres- 
sion, and at the meeting of the Board of the Triennial 
Convention, held in Salem, April, 1833, he prepared, in 
conjunction with Professor James D. Knowles, resolu- 
tions affirming it to be the duty of Baptists to sustain 
them, and of the Board to instruct them to endeavor, by 
earnest prayer and diligent study, to ascertain the 
precise meaning of the original text; to express that 
meaning as exactly as the nature of the languages into 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 321 

whicli they translated would permit, and to transfer 
no words which are capable of being literally trans- 
lated." Mr. Cone was at that time a member of the 
Board of managers of the American Bible Society, and 
immediately laid upon its table a number of copies of 
the resolutions. 

It is worthy of remark, as a historical fact, that Joseph 
Hughes, a Baptist^ was the most active founder of the 
British and Foreign Bible Society in 1804. Prior to 
the founding of that institution. Baptist translators in 
India had translated Parrrt^G) and its cognates, in the 
exact manner afterwards objected to by that body. 

After their refusal to patronize such versions, Mr. 
Packard of Philadelphia transmitted to the American 
Bible Society, from Pierce and Yates, the same applica- 
tion. The resolutions of refusal, and restriction to a 
copy of the received English version were also passed, 
as we have seen, by the latter society. Upon the pas- 
sage of these resolutions. Rev. Spencer H. Cone, the 
dissenting member of the committee, being the presi- 
dent of the general Triennial Convention of the Baptist 
Denomination in the United States for foreign missions, 
prepared and issued an address to that body, explaining 
the action of the American Board, and requesting the 
members of the Convention to communicate their senti- 
ments upon the important matters thus brought before 
them, at the meeting of the Foreign Board at Hartford, 
in April, 1836. Protests embracing the most weighty 
arguments against the resolutions were presented at the 
American Board, but notwithstanding, the resolutions 
were confirmed by the society at its next anniversary. 
May, 1836. 

The preliminary discussions of the question had 
attracted public attention. The Baptist and Pedo-Baptist 
world were equally interested and excited. The 

14* 



322 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

anniversary was held in tlie Broadway Tabernacle, and 
that immense hall, capable of seating from fonr to five 
thousand persons, was crowded to its utmost. 

The platform, and the seats, which rise tier on tier 
behind it, were filled with the vice-presidents, managers, 
and directors of the American Bible Society. The most 
eminent talent of the Pedo-Baptist side was present, and 
prepared for the contest. Judges and governors, 
senators, and lawyers of fame, swelled the array. 
Against the decision of its Board, the Baptists had 
appealed to the annual meeting ; and alone against the 
host of Pedo-Baptist talent and knowledge, Spencer H. 
Cone stood up as the champion of his people and of the 
truth for which they lived. Speech after speech was 
levelled against him. Rhetoric and argument, menace 
and entreaty ; the most specious appeals and considera- 
tions were urged upon him. His denomination and 
himself were made the mark of a thousand arrows of 
subtlety, wit, and declamation. 

Time has eff'aced most of these efforts from our 
memory. Some, however, made an impression which 
nothing can wipe out. We forget the name of the last 
gentleman who spoke on the Pedo-Baptist side of the 
question, in defence of the course pursued by the 
American Bible Society. He w^as, we think, a senator 
from one of the Eastern States. The point of his speech 
was this : Christians are a great army, arrayed against 
the evil which is in the world. Their warfare is perpe- 
tual. Every day finds them compelled to face the 
enemy. And when we see the army drawn up in 
battle array ; the enemy in front ; the fierce tug of war 
on the point of commencing — what must we think of 
that regiment which wheels out of line, and abandons 
the field, leaving the rest of the army to fight the battle 
alone? And should a regiment be guilty of such an 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 323 

act, will not eveiy true-hearted soldier step oat of its 
flying ranks, and falling into the line again, stand to his 
arms until the fate of the battle is decided ? 

The instant he closed, Mr. Cone was on his feet. He 
stood upon the left hand, on the front of the platform. 
High excitement, and the vast responsibility which 
weighed upon him, lent a more than ordinary grandeui 
to his carriage, and an added power to his voice. He 
was the living embodiment of a great orator, and before 
the words formed upon his tongue, an intense and 
breathless silence pervaded the house, and every eye 
was fastened upon him. 

"Mr. Chairman," he said, not loud, but with that 
wonderful clearness of enunciation and concentration of 
manner which seems, as it were, to drive every word 
directly into the hearts of an audience— " Mr. Chairman: 

' There is a tide in the affairs of men 
Which taken at the flood leads on to fortune ; 
Neglected, all our lives afterward 
Are bound in shallows and in miseries.' 

'' On that tide mv denomination is launched. It has 

t/ 

risen to their feet. It commands them to embark. They 
dare not disobey the God they serve. They dare not 
cover up His truth, forsake high fortune, and incur the 
just retribution of being bound in shallows and in mis- 
eries all their life after. Sir, I love the army, but I love 
my regiment tetter^ and whether they fall amid the 
mountains of America, or on the plains of Burmah, 
I fall with themP 

The remainder of the speech, or rather the words in 
which it was couched, have faded from memory. It was 
devoted to the argument, and put in clear, bold terms 
the principles of Baptists on the subject of Bible trans- 
lations, and their resolve, with God's help, to give His 



324 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Word literally to men. Its effect -upon the audience 
was to elicit repeated applause, which was checked 
by the presiding officer as improper in such a place. 
His appearance and manner, on that and similar occa- 
sions, were such as to command a peculiar attention 
from the people. It was frequently and admiringly 
remarked by preachers and public men. Characterized 
by entire freedom and grace, without being open to the 
censure of effort after effect, the eye and ear received 
equal pleasure. The platform was evidently a place on 
which he felt perfectly at home. It put no barrier 
between him and the people. He could speak right 
at them from it. He always stepped forward, cleared 
himself of everything, and stood before them with the 
cause he had to advocate, living and breathing in every 
motion of the body and intonation of the voice. 
Preachers, from the habit of being shut up in a desk, 
very commonly feel ill at ease, and out of place, when 
brought into full relief upon the platform. Many of 
them remarked the fact to him, and said, they envied 
his happy self-forgetfulness and freedom. Undoubtedly 
early training had a great deal to do with it, but intense 
interest in his subject, and its aim had more. Like the 
patriot soldier, his '^ cunning of fence " was a mere 
subordinate matter, the servant of a great design. 

In spite of protest, argument, and eloquence, however, 
the society affirmed the action of its Board, and by 
an arbitrary exertion of the law of might, exiled the 
Baptists from its ranks. 

During the preliminary discussions in that society, the 
brunt of the battle was borne by Dr. Maclay in the 
Board of managers, and by Mr.* Cone in the committee. 
He was the only Baptist in the committee, and, as such, 
prepared and presented the protest against its action. 
In that protest he demonstrated that the principle 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 325 

sought to be laid down by the society was radically 
wrong. That it was not competent for it to control the 
consciences of well qualified Evangelical missionaries, 
or decide what words they should transfer^ and what 
translate. That if the society can make an arbitrary 
rule for one word, it may for all. That the pervading 
sentiment of the majority was inconsistent with the 
spirit of brotfierly kindness and benevolence in which 
the society originated. That it specially singled out 
Bajotists as unworthy to co-operate with other denomi- 
nations, and placed upon them an unjust stigma. That 
to avoid this they offered them the impracticable alter- 
native of forbearing to do what they believed God 
required at their hands. That the words baptize etc., 
had been rendered by words signifying to immerse in 
Syriac, Arabic, Abyssinian, Ethiopic, Egyptian, Coptic, 
German, Dutch, Danish, and other languages, and 
therefore, it was not fair or just to stigmatize our trans- 
lations as sectarian, when similar translations have been 
long in use in almost all the churches of the Eastern 
worlds and in most of the churches of Northern Eitrojye,'^^ 

The protest was in vain. Pedo-Baptism was alarmed, 
and fear obscured reason and justice. The question 
with them was no longer obedience to God, but how to 
guard and defend the hitman system to which they were 
committed. Mr. Cone immediately issued an address 
'' to the General Convention of the Baptist Denomination 
in the United States for Foreign Missions," and asked 
them to come to the meeting of its Board at Hartford, 
prepared to consider the subject of the duty of Ameri- 
can Baptists in the crisis. 

The following statement in reference to the course of 
Dr. Cone in the controversy with the American Bible 
Society, was communicated to Dr. Baker, by Deacon 
William Colgate, of New York. 



326 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

On leaving the committee to which the letter of 
Pierce and Yates, touching the Bengali version, had 
been referred. Dr. Cone called on Deacon Colgate, and 
in stating the case to him, spoke as follows : 

"I presume nothing will be given. Shall I let it 
go by ; or shall I say — ' the application shall not be 
refused, on the ground of these words being translated, 
without first referring the matter to the Board V " 

To this question Deacon Colgate replied, by ask- 

" Do you put this question in order to ascertain what 
I think on the subject, or do you ask it that my answer 
may be a guide to your action in the committee ?" 

Dr. Cone replied : 

"I ask your opinion that it may guide me in my 
course in that committee." 

" Then," said Deacon Colgate, " this is probably the 
most important question ever put to me, and I should 
not think of answering one of such importance without 
taking time for reflection and prayer." 

^'I will call then some time next week for your 
opinion," said Dr. Cone. 

The next week he called, and the conversation, as near 
as it can be recollected, was as follows. Deacon Colgate 
remarked, 

" That we Baptists who were members of the Board 
of the American Bible Society, were looked to as repre- 
senting our denomination, and in this view, our position 
became very important and responsible ; and that if we 
or our denomination should be found guilty of clouding 
or changing in any way, God's communication to men, 
it would be criminal in the sight of Grod and man. Yet 
if this be brought before the Board, it will, in all proba- 
bility, produce a painful controversy, and our own 
denomination will probably be less respected, and our 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 327 

friends on the Board be higtly censured. Tet the prin- 
ciple of right demands this course at our hands, in my 
opinion." 

Dr. Cone replied : 

"I fully agree with you in that sentiment." 

Deacon Colgate then reminded him that the Baptists 
in the Board were few in number ; that the members of 
other denominations were numerous, talented, and 
highly respectable. Now if you take this stand, will 
you be firm in carrying it through ?" 

Dr. Cone replied with much firmness, and at some 
length to this effect : 

" If I take my stand upon a principle established by 
my Master, you 'know I arm not to he moved. 

Deacon Colgate again reminded him — ''That before 
such an array of character and talent, few have been 
found who have not faltered in the trial when hard 
beset." 

Dr. Cone replied : 

" That having been brought into a position where the 
eyes of the Lord, and of Baptists were upon him, he 
would never falter while he had God's truth to stand 
on." 

Confident in the propriety of his course, and fortified 
in the resolution to pursue it, by the advice of such men 
as Colgate, Maclay, Kendrick, and others, he buckled 
on his harness, and marched forward to the conflict. 
That it would be no ordinary one, the magnitude of the 
interests, and the character of the men concerned in it, 
made it evident. It is no small honor to him that against 
every odds, and without even the hope of success to cheer 
him, he fought it to the last in the American Bible 
Society, and yielding at last to the force of numbers, 
instead of entertaining for a moment the idea of abandon 
ing the field, like an able general diverted the attention 



328 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

of tlie enemy by alarms and skirmishes, until he could 
bring up his reserves, and renew the battle upon a more 
impregnable position. To his thinking the battle for 
truth was never lost. Her soldiers might be worsted, 
and suffer a temporary defeat; but as long as life lasted 
there was always time to strike for and retrieve the 
victory. Thus, instead of losing a moment in mourning 
over the action of the American Bible Society, his 
thoughts were busy with plans for a remedy. Baptists 
were right. They had the truth, they knew it. They 
must stand by it, no matter what men did. They must 
support their missionaries. It was God's work, and 
God's work must go on. Nothing was needed but an 
ordinary executive machinery. That must be put 
together without loss of time. The past was irretrieva- 
ble. They might regret it. Time, however, was too 
short, and there was too much to be done, to waste an 
hour in useless sorrow. They must act. A Bible 
Society to sustain pure versions must be formed without 
delay. He went right at it. Tasked his mind to it. 
Aroused them to its necessity. Put the ball in motion ; 
touched all the chords which answered to the keys of his 
wide correspondence with every State and district in the 
Union ; and backed by the manifest justice and truth of 
his position, found himself at Hartford, Oonecticut, sup- 
ported by an almost unanimous voice of the denomina- 
tion, in the design of forming a new Society. Five votes 
only were cast in the negative. It was resolved " that 
it is expedient to call a convention of delegates from 
churches, and associations, and other religious bodies, to 
meet in Philadelphia in 1837, to adopt such measures, 
as circumstances, in the providence of God, may 
req[uire." 

The majority, amongst whom was Dr. Cone, expressed 
their opinion in private that a convention ought to be 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 329 

called immediately after the annual meeting of the 
American Bible Society,, unless that society rescinded 
the resolution of their board of managers not to aid 
translations made by Baptist missionaries. So soon as 
the society approved the course of its Board, it was 
evident to this majority that to postpone their action 
until 1837, was an unnecessary delay. The Board of 
Missions, by resolution passed February 17th,* 1836, con- 
firmed them in this opinion. 

A large number of delegates met, therefore, in Oliver 
street meeting-house, where he then preached, on the 
12th of May, 1836, and formed a provisional organiza- 
tion for Bible translation and distribution. Of this 
organi^;ation Mr. Cone was chosen the president. On 
Wednesday, April 26th, 1837, the Convention, pur- 
suant to the call of the Hartford meeting, met in Phila- 
delphia. After several days of able discussion, in which 
every point of the controversy was brought out, the 
action of Mr, Cone and his colleagues in Oliver street, 
during the previous May, was confirmed, the provisional 
organization made permanent, and the American and 
Foreign Bible Society definitely constituted. Among 
the ablest debaters, and most determined and unflinch- 
ino; advocates of the creation of that societv, were the 
Eev. Messrs. Bartholomew T. Welsh, John Dowling, 
and others, who have not been since willing to carry 
out opinions then expressed to their legitimate conclu- 
sion. Dr. Welsh said, eloquently — " It had been said 
we were leaving the American Bible Society. He, on 
the contrary, believed they were leaving us. Another 
charge which has been alleged against us (said Dr. 
Welsh), is that of sectarianism. If to adhere to the 
truth ; if to prefer allegiance to the throne of Jesus 
Christ ; if to regard the integrity of His institutions and 
the purity of His Word, be sectarianism, then let 



330 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

sectarianism be written on my brow in indelible charac- 
ters ; then let bigotry be connected with it in all its 
odious forms. And I would wear the stigma till death 
should obliterate it !" 

The following letter to Dr. Dagg, dated May 21st5 
1836, serves to explain the motives which governed 
Mr. Cone in the formation of the American and Foreign 
Bible Society in Oliver street. 

" I received/' he says, ''the joint communication of 
Brethren Brantley, Dagg, and Babcock, and answered 
yesterday ' calamo currente.' To-day I have leisure to 
add a few thoughts to you. 

" The board of managers of the Baptist General Con- 
vention passed no opinion upon the Bible question. It 
was a subject they refused to entertain.- Had they 
responded to the call of the president of the Convention 
(himself), and disposed of the question by resolution or 
otherwise, it would have been the official act of a Board, 
representing the only organized Baptist body, of a 
general character, in the United States, and as such 
would have been weighty and important ; but the Hart- 
ford conference could speak only for itself, and not for 
the Denomination, and its resolutions were entitled to 
no further general respect than their own intrinsic 
excellency and fitness might demand. 

" The Oliver street Convention was a much larger 
body — many of its members were expressly sent by 
Baptist churches and associations, to form a Bible 
society immediately, if the American Bible Society did 
not rescind the resolutions of February 17tli, 1836, and 
a much larger amount of information upon the Bible 
question was before the meeting than at Hartford. 
They were satisfied fully, from circumstcmces hefore them 
on the 12th of May^ that it was pleasing to God and to 
the great mass of Baptists who take an interest in 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOrGHTON CONE. 331 

Bible translation and distribution, to go forward^ and 
they did so in the name of the Lord. The eight or ten 
brethren who were in Oliver street as well as at Hart- 
ford, never dreamt of being so pledged by the resolu- 
tions of one conference, as to prevent them acceding to 
those of the other. We have committed no sin against 
our brethren, but acted according to the light given to 
us, and the peculiar circumstances of the day, and hope 
that all appearance of collision and discrepancy, which 
indeed refer almost exclusively to time^ niay, by proper 
explanations, be entirely removed, and ' audi alteram 
partem,' contains a sentiment that we are none of us, 
I trust, disposed to disregard. 

"I have not the minutes of the conference before 
me, and write from memory, but as I drew up the reso- 
lutions, I think these were about the words of one of 
the last^ which was passed unanimously; viz: — ■ 

" ' Eesolved ; that the first anniversary be held in 
Philadelphia, the last Wednesday of April, 1837, when 
a report of the doings of the society shall be laid before 
a convention to be then and there assembled from dif- 
ferent parts of the United States, for the purpose of 
securing the united and concentrated action of our whole 
denomination in the Bible cause.' 

" This resolution was supposed to be so strong and 
unequivocal as to show clearly our intentions, and save 
us from the charge of disregard to the feelings of our 
brethren, or an unwillingness to submit to the voice of 
the majority, whenever properly and plainly expressed. 
As far as I am personally concerned, I assure you I had 
much rather escape from the presidential chair, than 
occupy it, and I had rather the seat of the society's 
operations should be Philadelphia than New York, if 
competent brethren there would undertake its manage- 
ment ; for here we have societies enough abeady. 



332 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

" After all, what worse can yon say of ns, than that 
we were willing to encounter a responsibility and labor 
that nobody else was willing to touch, and though dear 
Brother Sharp said 'we had not the men,' we hope, by 
the assistance of our Heavenly Father, that we shall 
prove that he was mistaken on a Bible question for once 
at least if no more. 

Dr. Dagg, says in reference to this : 

'^ In the discussions at Hartford, Dr. Sharp, who was 
opposed to the forming of a new society, assigned as a 
reason that we had not the men to manage it. How 
greatly he mistook the ability of our New York brethren, 
especially that of Brother Cone, for conducting such an 
enterprise, the event fully demonstrated. The new 
society went forward with astonishing success ; and 
much of that success is doubtless to be attributed to the 
wisdom and energy of him who so long presided over 
it. 

" The question as to the time of organization, which 
at first produced some difficulty, was amicably settled, 
and the American and Foreign Bible Society received 
a cordial support from the Baptists throughout the 
United States, with but few exceptions. Brother Cone, 
at the head of the society, enjoyed a high degree of 
popularity ; but it pleased Infinite Wisdom to render his 
relation to this society one of the severest trials tliat he 
ever endured. His withdrawal from it, and the forma- 
tion of the American Bible Union, are facts which I leave 
othei^ to record. Many who loved and honored him, 
did not fully concur in this movement; and of this 
number I was one. It gives me great pleasure, how- 
ever, to saj^, that I lionor the principles whicli governed 
liim, and the motives by whicli he was actuated ; and 
to express the hope that the result may prove his 
superior wisdom." 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 333 

In August, 1837, lie writes to Dr. Dagg on the same 
subject, from Scliooley's mountains : 

''I have been rusticating for ten days among the 
mountains of my native State, and feel somewhat recruit- 
ed botli in body and mind. 

" The last year has multiplied my avocations, and 
some of them have been sufficiently exciting. I have 
laid too much to heart the opposition, and I could 
almost say, persecution, which some of our good breth- 
ren have exhibited towards our Bible Society ; and the 
decision of the Philadelphia Convention seems to have 
no influence upon their course. Still they insist upon 
it, that a distinct Bible organization is unnecessary and 
most inexpedient, and must in its results prove injurious 
to the best interests of the Baptist denomination, as 
well as to the common cause of Christianity in our 
happy land. I hope I am cooling down a little. I 
want more of your quiet calmness ; or, you will say, I 
want more of the mind that was in the precious Saviour, 
I try to pray for it constantly, that I may walk by 
faith, and not by sight ; aim to do right, and leave 

the results with Him. Bro. , has thus far kept South 

Carolina from coming np to our help. I hope his Anti- 
Baptist-Bible doctrine will never gain many disciples in 
your State. I grieve over the course he haa taken, and 
wonder how he can think he is doing God service, 
by abusing his brethren. But I strive to comfort 
myself with the assurance, that ' the Lord God omnipo- 
tent reignetli^ and if He be for us, who can be against 
us ? No one successfully^ most surely ! 

" Bro. B. is out again in print about baptizo. ^ The 
word is untranslatable.' I am waiting for him to show 
that the Saviour delivered the commission to the Apos- 
tles in Oreeh^ for if this is not clearly made out, I 



334 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOJST CONE. 

cannot see but that baptizo stands for some Hebrew 
word which may mean to dip ; and if Naaman was 
dipped seven times without being drowned, it seems 
possible, that a believer may be immersed without 
being kept under the water for ever. When Gary, 
Marshman, Yates, Judson, etc., liave translated the 
word into languages spolten by so many millions of the 
human family; and since Gill, Booth, Carson, etc., have 
so clearly demonstrated its meaning, my spectacles do 
not magnify sufficiently to discern the modesty of the 
man who boldly declares that haptizo is untranslatable. 
But in the face of so great a linguist, I still think 
we may safely immerse willing converts." 

A few extracts from Mr. Cone's presidential address 
at the close of the first anniversary of the American and 
Foreign Bible Society, will place in the clearest light 
the motives upon which he acted, not only in that, but 
in all things connected with his denomination. 

*' Borne along," he says, " by circumstances which we 
could neither anticipate nor control ; cut off from 
resources upon which we had been accustomed, perhaps, 
too much to rely ; and having examined the si^ns of the 
times with prayerful solicitude, we have at length been 
constrained to organize a distinct society, for the print- 
ing and circulation of the Sacred Scriptures. To this 
course we have been impelled, not merely by the fact, 
that the Calcutta, the British and Foreign, and the 
American Bible Societies, have combined in the deter- 
mination to afford no further aid to versions made 
by Baptist missionaries ; "oersions which obvious duty 
hinds us promptly and adequately to sustain * but the 
measure has been imperatively demanded by the cry of 
the destitute ; by the ardent desire of many of our 
churches, to come up to the help of the Lord, in this 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 335 

matter, against the mighty ; and by the peculiar facili- 
ties now afforded us in the glorious work of Bible 
distribution. 

" In communicating to the human family the gracious 
plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, ITolj/ men of God 
spake as they were moved hy the Holy Ghost. Not only 
did they deliver the sentiments^ but the very words 
of Jehovah. ^ ^ -^ -J^ AH Scripture is given by 
inspiration of God. "^ ^ "^ ^ The gift of inspira- 
tion, it is true, is not vouchsafed to modern missionaries 
and translators ; nevertheless, in connection with their 
high vocation, the doctrine we advocate is of immense 
moment. Under its influence^ not a single word can te 
intentionally neglected^ obscured^ or perverted, ^ -^ -^ 
Among the errors and frauds which have marked the 
rise and progress of the Papal Hierarchy, handling the 
^oord of the Lord deceitfidly^ certainly, is not the least. 
To keep back any part of the price ; to add to^ or take 
from the loords of the Book, is a crime of no questiona- 
ble character — ^the curse of the Almighty rests upon it ! 
^ « -jf ^ j^ ^]^Q version used by Papists, for the 
maintenance of their ''prodigious structure of imposture 
and wickedness^ Baptizo and its cognates are invariably 
Latinized — never translated ; and the same policy was 
pursued in all European versions, wherever the author- 
ity of the 'man of sin' prevailed. The unlearned 
not being permitted ' to read in their own tongues 
wherein they were born,' what God required of believ- 
ers, were compelled to rely upon their spiritual guides, 
and they told them that Baptizo signified to sprinkle, or 
pour, or christen ; that it was too holy to he translated ; 
and that its meaning was as immaterial as it was indefi- 
nite, and so, unhappily., one of the important ordinances 
of the Gospel, described by the Holy Spirit as with a 
sunbeam, has been covered up, and hid from the great 



336 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

mass of the people, by the Popish artifice of trans- 
fer. 

" The Baptists, in every age and in every clime, from 
the days of Paul, when the sect was everywhere spoken 
against, to the present hour, have been the steadfast 
friends of the Yoluntary Principle, in whatever 
pertains to religion. They maintain, to use the language 
of a forcible writer, ' that man cannot be born into a 
system of faith, nor be surrendered in infancy or age to 
a form of religion, but may assert his right to judge for 
himself; to examine and decide, under the lofty convic- 
tion that God has not made him a slave. They 
acknowledge no clerical or secular domination, but 
scorn, with becoming indignation, every attempt to 
subdue reason by enforcing the dogmas of a party, and 
hold, with determined fidelity, the high vantage 
ground assigned them by their Creator.' No man is 
born a Baptist. Membership in our churches is matter 
of choice, after the Christian character is formed. 

'' The compulsory system^ which tramples upon the 
freedom of judgment and will, is written in the history 
of our denomination in characters of blood. The Bap- 
tists, in the valleys of Piedmont, in Germany, Bohemia, 
France, Wales, and New England, have been the sub- 
jects of the most unrelenting persecutions. They were 
fined, imprisoned, banished, and massacred ; not upon 
the principle of retaliation, because they had persecuted 
others ; not for any immoralities laid to their charge ; 
but because they immersed willing converts ; and 
opposed the baptism of unwilling infants; and refused 
to receive for doctrine the commandments of men ; and 
adhered, with unyielding integrity, to the great Bible 
principle. Liberty of Conscience the Inalienable 
Birthright of Man ! Attachment to this sentiment has 
resulted in our separation from the American Bible 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 337 

Society. The managers of that institution interfered 
with the consciences of Baptist Missionaries, in the 
execution of their trust as translators of God's Holy 
Book ; requiring them to make versions that might be 
consistently used by the several denominations compos- 
ing the society, as the indispensable condition of future 
^patronage. Believing that ' the Bible should control 
human opinions, and that the creeds of different sects 
ought never to govern the Bible,' we have disallowed 
the rule adopted by the American Bible Society, and 
ceasing fr 07)1 man^ whose hreath is in his nostrils^ would 
lift up our eyes to the hills whence our help cometh?'' 

The VoLUNTAKY PRINCIPLE was the key to his action 
in this matter, as in all others relating to human associa- 
tion. It is clear that the more astute of his opponents, 
in the American Bible Society, saw the tendency and 
consequence of his opinions. They saw that his great 
principle struck at the root and life of every other 
system than that adhered to by Baptists. His course was 
governed by an inexorable logic. Baptists founded their 
entire system upon the Bible. Their system was true. 
Pure translations, literal translations of the Bible must 
sow the seed of those principles everywhere, and the 
whole civil and religious policy and aspect of the world 
be ultimately changed. Translate the Bible, spread 
abroad Baptist sentiments, and if the whole world did not 
become Baptist, it must at least assimilate to them in most 
important particulars. Those sentiments were a lever 
able to lift the world, if a fulcrum only could be found. 
The United States of America was that fulcrum. God 
appeared to point directly to them by the finger of His 
providence. Here the democratic sentiment sustained 
and defended the Voluntary Principle in its purity. 
For this he fought. It was the foundation upon which 
he stood. Nowhere so perfectly understood or 

15 



338 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

practised as amongst Baptists, the whole machinery of 
whose church relationships and religious policy were 
strictly conformed to it, the difiusion of Baptist senti- 
ments in religion carried, of necessity, with them the 
pure principles of human freedom, or the Voluntary 
System in civil government. To spread these principles 
of civil and religious liberty he preached from the 
pulpit; he spoke from the platform; he worked in 
benevolent societies ; to show the world to whom it was 
indebted for them^ he republished " Jones' Church 
History," which is indeed but an extended record of 
Baptist struggle to engraft upon the civil policy of 
states, the principles of the voluntary system. To lay 
for them an immovable basis he contended for " pure 
versions of the Word of God.'" A few years will show 
that his life, a life devoted to this principle, was not in 
vain. What he preached for forty years, and what was 
heard by hundreds of thousands, did not fall upon 
barren places. He knew and felt his people, because 
he loved them. A large souled American of the type 
and fashion of the early founders of the Republic, his 
republicanism was not confined to a form of civil 
government. To the poor the Gospel was preached, 
and his republicanism and Christianity were inseparable. 
He knew the heart of his denomination, because he 
knew the people's heart ; and his own beat with it. This 
was the great secret of his success. He did not take 
hold of a little finger, or lay his hand upon a foot, or an 
arm to find what was in it ; but he put his hand with 
the boldness of love and sympathy directly upon its 
heart, and learned how it beat. Men made a great 
mistake if they fancied he did anything in a hurry, or 
from his own mere motion only. He never hesitated 
because he stood alone upon a great truth, and yet he 
never stirred hastily. By a happy intuition, the intui- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 339 

tion of honesty, he struck out great popular truths — 
but they were always truths, and popular because true. 
Error had no venerable quality for him, no matter 
how hedged about by great names, or hoary with the 
rime of age. To him there was no divinity in the 
royalty of falsehood. Its crown and sceptre had no 
more terror for him, than a shepherd's crook. Its very 
majesty, and power over men's minds, was the strongest 
reason for entering the lists against it. In a just quarrel 
he was fearless ; and as careless of what men's hearts 
might think or tongues might say as if he had been 
"locked up in steel." 

Referring to both these qualities, a distinguished 
brother preacher writes to him : 

" Your inquiry as to whether we have done what we 
ought, to keep the great heart of our denomination, is a 
legitimate one. 

"I have suffered so much from every attempt to act 
independently, that I have become timid. I have not 
you/r bravery. I cannot, like you, bear hard knocks. 
This you will call weakness. Probably it is so. I love 
the cause ; I am willing to work for it ; but to fight for 
it—' there's the rub.' " 

Not so with him. Let him believe he had a " thus 
saith the Lord " to go to battle on, and he was quite as 
ready to Jlght as worJc, The one or the other ; it was 
perfectly indifferent which. If God gave his banner 
into his keeping, he had always a soldier's carelessness 
where it was to be carried. That was his Captain's 
business, not his. 

The principles he preached were not new ; they have 
been written on the lives of Baptists from the year of 
our Lord, 330, and the time of the Bishop of Eome, 
called Sylvester. But it is notorious that his ministry 
of forty years stirred up the Baptists of the United 



340 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON GONE. 

States to a livelier and more consistent defence and pro- 
pagation of tliem than that of any other man of his 
time. 

What he preached during all those years, and labored 
mightily to upbuild, is daily finding new advocates. To 
some extent. Professor Curtis, in his able '^ progress of 
Baptist principles," sustains his favorite positions, 
although he does not go quite so far as he did. Every 
such work, however, serves more clearly to instruct the 
people of the United States, to whom they are indebted 
for that unshackled " soul freedom " wherein they now 
rejoice, and under the happy influence of which they 
are pressing exultingly forward. It is right that the 
people of these States should know that, belong to what 
denomination they may, or belong to none, they are 
living under a government constituted purely upon 
Baptist principles, and that but for the preaching, and 
sufl^ering, and indomitable energy of Baptists, such a 
government never could or would have existed upon the 
earth. It is right that they should learn to what the 
principles of Baptists tend, and how their triumph is the 
triumph of voluntaryism over coercion, of republican 
freedom over every usurpation of power, by w^hatever 
name disguised. It is just, too, that in his memoirs 
which we write, the j)rinciples for which he lived should 
stand boldly out. Professor Curtis states the distinctive 
principles of Baptists thus : 

1. Freedom of conscience, and the entire separation 
of Church and State. 

2. A converted church membership. 

3. Sacraments inoperative without choice and faith. 

4. Believers, the only scriptural subjects of baptism. 

5. Immersion always the baptism of the New Testa- 
ment. 

The word " sacraments " was not in Mr. Cone's voca- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 341 

biliary. He denied that there were anything but 
" ordinances of the Gospel^ In the '^ summary of the 
faith and practice " of the First Baptist Church in the 
City of New York," printed under his supervision in 
1851, and on the title-page of which his name appears, 
the 18th Article states " That the only symbolic ordi- 
nances appertaining to the Gospel dispensation, are 
Baptism and the Lord'^s SwpjperP 

From the principle mentioned, fifth in order, by Pro- 
fessor Curtis, resulted the views Mr. Cone had, in 
common with all Close Communion Baptists, of the 
order of a Christian church, as formed upon the apos- 
tolic and primitive model, of the necessity of conversion, 
&c., &c. ; of the proper subjects of Christian baptism, 
and the proper character of those who should publicly 
put on Christ by immersion, and sit down to His table. 

From the one first stated resulted his whole system of 
republican civil government, and republican Chris- 
tianity. 

The best authorities would seem to sustain his belief, 
that these distinctive principles of Baptists, particularly 
those referring to the separation of civil and religious 
matters, and entire freedom of conscience to all men, 
freedom to believe or disbelieve as they choose, dates 
from the age of the Apostles. Thence flowing down, 
interrupted, indeed, by persecution, but still permeating 
the harsh soil of Popery, and breaking out in rills as 
limpid as the waters of life, from the rocky declivities 
of the Cevennes, or the more luxuriant falls of Italy ; 
they nourished the seeds of truth and freedom in the 
hearts of Arnold of Brescia, Peter de Bruis, and the 
Waldensian leaders. 

Their principles found their earliest exponent upon 
American soil in Roger Williams, of Ehode Island. 
"In 1630, Roger Williams commenced to preach in favor 



34:2 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

of religious liberty, and in 1636, having purchased ter- 
ritory from the Indians, commenced to found the colony 
on the express principles of perfect religious liberty. In 
1638, others having joined and purchased the territory 
of the present State of Rhode Island, a voluntary gov- 
ernment was formally instituted, by a solemn covenant 
of all, to ' submit to the orders of the major part in civil 
things only^ Thus was a constitution formed on the 
express basis of a perfect liberty of conscience. It is 
true that it was not until 1644 that Roger Williams 
obtained his charter from the king. This was not 
sought, even then, because he deemed it necessary, but 
only expedient, as a means of preventing the encroach- 
ments of the colony of Massachusetts. This charter was 
obtained and solemnly accepted and adopted by the 
inhabitants, in 1647, and on the 10th of May, in that 
year, a body of laws were enacted, and the government 
further settled upon the principle of perfect religious 
liberty. Even this last was about two years previous to 
any enactment in favor of toleration afterward esta- 
hlished in Maryland, A more vital point, however, 
than one of dates, remains to be considered. The very 
word toleration implies the right to persecute " (Curtis, 
p. 41; Hildreth, vol. 1, pp. 207, 347, 256, 322) Bap- 
tists — the Baptist Williams and his compeers did not 
tolerate^ they established perfect religious liberty. 

Here they stand alone. They have not only the 
honor, whatever Archbishop Hughes may say to the 
contrary, of first establishing religious liberty on this 
continent, and on any continent, but also of establishing 
the only religious liberty which was here opened to 
men's souls. Lord Baltimore tolerated; Roger Wil- 
liams enfranchised. 

How he of whom we write preached, with what 
exulting satisfaction he dwelt upon those distinguishing 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 343 

features of Baptist principles, and labored to spread 
tliem for the benefit of all men — Baptist or not — believ- 
ers or not — but simply to spread them for the temporal 
as well as spiritual welfare of men, are there not many- 
thousands who remember? 

Let us listen to him in 1854, speaking to the Bible 
Union these memorable words. 

"No other Bible organization in the wide world, 
advocates the translation and circulation of the whole 
truth. No other lives and breathes, and has it existence 
exclusively in the unclouded atmosphere of pure unal- 
loyed principle ; as the beloved Oncken, whilst amongst 
us, said, OUR principle is divine ^ ^ ^ here no king can 
threaten us ; here no civil tribunal can coerce us, ^ ^ "^ 
in no preceding age were so just views entertained of 
religious liberty^ as at the present time. With few excep- 
tions, and those chiefly among the Baptists, even the 
advocates of religious freedom in past days, have insisted 
upon some restriction upon the rights of conscience^ 
some connection between Church and State. Luther^ 
Calvin, Zwinglius, Knox and their followers, together 
with the Puritans, both of Old England and New Eng- 
land, all fell into this grievous error. The present cen- 
tury has done more to explode it than any other, since 
the days of Christ and his Apostles. ^ ^ ^ In this 
highly favored land, the sun of liberty first shone with 
unobstructed rays. Ehode Island was the first State that 
really established the principle of freedom to worship 
God. This was the pattern commonwealth of Roger 
Williams, followed by the other States in our glorious 
Union, where all civil power should be exercised by the 
people alone, and where the Ruler of the Universe, 
should be the only ruler over the conscience. ^ ^ ^^ '^ 

" Of all denominations. Baptists have most strenuously 
and eflaciently battled for unrestricted religious liberty. 



344 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

From the time when John the Baptist was imprisoned 
for freedom of speech, to the time of John Bunyan, who 
suflfered for the same crime ; and from the time of the 
ingenious dreamer to the formation of the American Bible 
Union, they have been bold to declare and maintain their 
views of truth. They never could endure to receive their 
religion by inheritance instead of conviction, or yield up 
their souls to the domination of popes, kings, councils, 
or assemblies. To the Law and to the Testimony has 
been their uniform appeal; the living oracles , the 
revealed mind and will of Jehovah ! 

" Such is the age — such the country — such are the 
principles which have grown with our growth, and 
strengthened with our strength. Is it wonderful that 
they should have conduced to originate and cherish in 
our hearts an earnest desire to know exactly what God 
has taught? Is it surprising that we should reject the 
authority of King James and the rules by w^hich he 
restricted the revisers of the Bishop's Bible from ^ let- 

TESra OUT THE WHOLE TRUTH?' 

'' But we are told that the legitimate exercise of our 
liberty in seeking to know what God had revealed, pro- 
duces disturbance. No doubt of it. Truth and princi- 
ple always create disturbance in our sinful world. The 
inspired Apostles themselves turned the world upside 
down by preaching the truth. You cannot put a little 
leaven into three measures of meal without producing a 
great ferment, until the whole is leavened. The Refor- 
mation was a fruitful source of trouble, the efiects of 
which have not yet died away. The translation of the 
Bible by Wickliffc caused great disturbance ; and Tyn- 
dale's version produced still greater. What would have 
been the effect of the revision made under King James, 
if the revisers had been permitted by him to do their 
duty, and had done it, who can tell ? Probably it would 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOjST COKE. 345 

have clianged the whole aspect of religions afi*airs in 
Great Britain ; and have^ severed probably the cords 
that bound together Church and State ; nay, it might 
even have gone far towards pulling down infant speink- 
LTNa, that great ' part and pillar of popery !' 

" And what is the truth for which we are contending? 
Is it some personal matter between man and man ? Is 
it an affair that concerns only a city, a state, a nation ? 
No ! the truth for which we strive is the truth as it is 
IN Jesus ! the truth that concerns the immortal soul ; 
the truth that affects the welfare of our whole race, and 
the declarative glory of God on the earth. "We assert 
that there should be no embargo laid upon God's word, 
that it should be given to our countrymen, and to the 
whole family of man, in as pure translations as can be 
made ; and that it should be free as the air we breathe. 
No priestly faction, no prejudiced society, no combination 
of wealth or influence should prevent it. Zet the Word 
of God Tun^ and have free course^ and ie glorified ! The 
motto of Bro. Kobner, of Hambm-g, we have acted uj)on 
from the beginning — ^Who can measure the consequences 

OF AN LTSTFAITHFUL TRANSLATION OF A SINGLE SENTENCE ?" 

At Providence E. T., in April, 1845, he had said 
of Roger Williams, '' He established a commonwealth 
upou the pure principles of democracy. He set an 
example which exerted a mighty influence upon neigh- 
boring colonies, and resulted in the formation of our 
happy national government. Christians of every name 
should be reminded of the obligations they owe to God, 
for i\iQ princijples and conduct of Roger Williams. But 
for these the descendants of the Puritans might yet 
have been employed in burning, for witches, helpless 
and inoffensive old women ; or in whipping, fining, 
imprisoning, banishing, or murdering Quakers, and 
Anabaptists (falsely so called) for no other reason thau 

22* 



346 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

their obstinately refusing Ho receive for doctrine the 
commandments of men.' When thinking of that first 
of American Baptists, in connection with Providence, I 
cannot refrain from exclaiming : 

*' ' Oh, call this holy grpund I 
The soil where Williams trod, 
He left unstained, what here he found, 
Feeedom to worship God.' " 

Thus we have, in the claim he makes for Baptists as 
the first to establish religions freedom, what more or 
less pervaded every speech and sermon he delivered 
during the forty years of his ministry. The glory of the 
principle and of Baptists as its exponents through ages 
of persecution and violence, until its happy triumph at 
last on the shores of America, was ever in his mind, and 
formed one of the strong ties which bound him to his 
denomination. There was no novelty, indeed, in it, since 
the fact of its assertion by Baptists in every age, made 
it as venerable for antiquity as for truth. The marked 
boldness and pertinacity with which he asserted it, the 
prominence he gave it, and the popularity he added 
to it, by a powerful and courteous presentation of the 
fact, made him pre-eminent as the apologist of his peo- 
ple. Is not his eloquence also yet ringing in our ears 
as he dwelt upon the glorious simplicity of a Baptist 
church, a voluntary association of men of like faith in 
the Lord Jesus, electing their officers — pastor, deacon, 
all — by open vote of majority ; transacting their church 
business after the manner of a free republic ; every 
church distinct and substantive in its existence, subordi- 
nate to nothing on earth, amenable to no law but God's 
law in the Bible, in its church relationship ; subject to 
no ecclesiastical jurisdiction ; acknowledging no superior 
l)ut the Head over all things to his church, even Christ ; 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOK CONE. . 347 

recognizing Baptist cliurches, but no Baptist clmrcli! 
are not all these things fresh yet in our hearts, and shall 
not these principles live ; shall they not be immortal ? 
Shall not a " translated bible " carry them on the 
wings of the wind wide as the world? He believed it, 
and that belief made every labor light, allayed every 
rising sorrow, plucked the sting of every disappointment 
and animated with the fire and energy of youth his 
happy age. He was the first we ever recollect hearing 
say, that ''Baptists were not Protestants, that they 
came in a direct line from the apostolic churches, and 
as they never consented to the iniquities of Rome, they 
nad not to come out from her and protest." 

And what God has by the miraculous interposition 
and care of His high providence " kept so pure of old," 
and transmitted unadulterated even to this time — shall 
it not endure 

" Until the elements sliall be burned up, 
And every creature shaU be purified?" 



34:8 . LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 



CHAPTEE XIX. 

THE AMERICAN AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. 

The first annual meeting of the American and 
Foreign Bible Society, was lield on Thursday, April 
26th, 1838, in the meeting-house of the Oliver street 
Baptist Church, New York. The second annual meet- 
ing was held on Tuesday, the 22d of April, 1839, in the 
meeting-house of the First Baptist Church, Second 
street, Philadelphia. Mr. Cone was again chosen as its 
president. After reading of the treasurer's report, the 
president opened his address, and the business of the 
session, by saying, '' A review of the gracions dealings 
of Divine Providence in reference to its operations, was 
calculated to excite emotions of the liveliest gratitude. 
With but one agent, our indefatigable Brother Maclay, 
the receipts of the treasurer for the current year have 
furnished a gratifying proof of the estimation in which 
the society continues to be held by the Baptists of the 
United States, and a pleasing presage, that still more 
liberal supplies may be confidently anticipated, as new 
facilities are presented to expend them judiciously. 
^ ^ ^ -^ jj^ l-jjg exercise of Christian courtesy, the 
many yielded to the wishes of the few, and the efibrts 
of the Board of Managers were, during the year suc- 
ceeding the convention in Philadelphia, limited to the 
circulation of the Word of God in foreign tongues. At 
the last anniversary, this feature of the constitution was 
obliterated, by the unanimous vote of the society, and to 
our original motto — The Bible teanslated — we were 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 349 

permitted to add — The field is the world ! The 
debatable ground being thus happily passed over, we had 
only to commend ourselves, in humble reliance upon 
Almighty God, to the work evidently set before us. 

"As Americans, and Baptists, we have from the 
beginning felt the claims of our country." 

The unanimity of the society, and the cordial support 
afforded it by the denomination, proved the unsound- 
ness of the objections urged against it in the Philadel- 
phia convention. The most uncompromising opponents 
in that convention, were Drs. William T. Brantly, and 
William R. Williams. It is questionable, whether they 
had at that time a party prepared to sustain them in their 
extreme opposition views. Although many were unde- 
cided, a second class, the class always found in deliberative 
assemblies, as everywhere else in life, were nervous, 
undecided, and busy looking for an opportunity to see 
which way the current set, and swim with it, and 
so keep well with the strongest party. The third 
sectioD, and happily an overwhelming majority, asked 
only, ' What is the truth ? What does it require at our 
hands V These rallied under the great leader in the 
enterprise, and stood immovable against every shock. 
It seems proper to give a sketch of the arguments used 
in that convention. Dr. Brantly opposed it as unneces- 
sary, there was, he maintained, already an organization 
for this specific purpose, and until its deficiency should 
be proved, he would not vote for a new one. The 
Baptist Board of Foreign Missions had sustained, and 
conducted the whole matter of translating and diffusing 
the Bible. Why add another power to the machinery ? 
He opposed a new organization, on the further ground 
that the translation and dispersion of the Bible in 
foreign tongues is a missionary work, and should be left 
to a Missionary Board ; and lastly, that in directing the 



350 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOISr CONE. 

attention of the denomination to the work of foreign 
versions and distribution, there might be danger of 
drawing off their energies from co-ordinate departments 
of missionary duty. He treated the scheme as vision- 
ary. He was opposed to the separation it would 
produce between Baptists and other Christians. He 
was a Baptist, but he loved the name of Protestant 
better. He wanted reasons, not poetry and declam- 
ation. 

Dr. Williams eulogized the translators of King James. 
He anticipated that the effect of leaving the American 
Bible Society would be to beget a schism in the denom- 
ination. He maintained that Mr. Cone had acted 
improperly in calling the convention. That it was an 
usurpation of power. That those who sent him, Dr. 
W., would support foreign, but not domestic operations. 

Dr. Wayland desired to see the convention unan- 
imous, but opposed domestic operations, or making 
home distribution a part of it, or attempting a better 
version. He denied the power of the convention to do 
so, on the ground that the denomination could not be 
represented — " Every Baptist man being responsible to 
his own church, and responsible to no other being 
under God." A very true and noble Baj)tist republican 
sentiment, but rather illogically applied. Dr. Wayland, 
although in opposition, was kind, dignified, and Christ- 
ian-like, in argument. He adhered, however, to the 
American Bible Society, and we believe still continues 
to do so. He was the apologist of that institution 
throughout, and was the author of the resolutions 
cutting off the Baptist missionaries. He was undoubt- 
edly sincere ; but, how a Baptist can " believe infant 
sprinkling a pillar and ground of Popery," and yet 
sustain the system which perpetuates it, is hard to 
understand. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 351 

Mr. Lincoln, of Boston, took the same yiew of the 
subject, and was enthusiastic in his eulogium upon the 
greatness and success of the American Bible Society. 
He denied that Baptists had a right to complain of the 
resolution cutting off their missionaries. It was in con- 
sonance with the letter and spirit of its constitution. 
The A. B. S. was a great and noble institution. His 
esteemed Brother Cone, himself, introduced the resolu- 
tion, adopted by the A. B. S. to supply the whole world 
with the Sacred Scriptures, in the shortest time practi- 
cable. Mr. Cone had by that given a pledge the 
Baptist denomination were bound to redeem. We could 
not be released from our obligations to it. His conclu- 
sions were hostile to a Baptist institution, as liable to 
interfere with that " great and noble " one. 

Mr. Maginnis, of Maine, concurred in the general 
views of the opposition. Letters had been presented 
from different parts of the country, in favor of a new 
organization ; if he had made the effort he could have 
obtained more against it, and in favor of the American 
Bible Society. If formed, however, he insisted upon 
restricting the New Society to foreign distribution. If 
not, the New Society would go beyond the circum- 
stances which it was alleged called for it. He hoped 
the convention would not censure the American Bible 
Society, or do anything to disturb the good feeling 
which had so long existed between Baptists and that 
glorious society. Where could Christians unite, if not 
in the circulation of the (Pedo-Baptist ?) Bible? He was 
terrified at the idea of Baptists ever attempting a revi- 
sion of the common version. He hoped they would not 
touch it. 

Mr. Sherwood regarded the amendment restricting 
the Society to distribution in " foreign languages " as 



352 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

the test question. He would go for vesting it with that 
power, and would not go further. 

To make the record clear, it is, perhaps, well here to 
state that this was in fact the " test question." 

The original resolution offered by Professor James D. 
Knowles read : " Whereas, the American Bible Society 
has ratified the resolutions of the Board of Managers, 
passed February 17th, 1836, therefore, Resolved^ that 
it becomes the duty of the Baptist denomination of the 
United States to form a distinct organization, for Bible 
distribution in foreign languages." 

Mr. Cone offered as a substitute, " That under exist- 
ing circumstances, it is the indispensable duty of the 
Baptist denomination in the United States to organize a 
distinct society, for the purpose of aiding in the transla- 
tion, printing, and circulation of the sacred Scriptures." 

On the difference between these two propositions the 
whole debate, occupying four days, turned. 

A small minority, but a very able and influential one 
in learning and position, came forward to sustain the 
American Bible Society, and oppose the formation of a 
distinct institution. On looking over the three hundred 
and eighty-six members present, as delegates from every 
section of the United States, twenty-four States being 
represented, and feeling the pulse of the body, the par- 
liamentary experience of these gentlemen showed them 
that direct and unqualified opposition would not only 
be vain, but would also react very injuriously upon 
themselves. They perceived clearly that a powerful 
majority were fully determined to carry out the will of 
the denomination, and form a Bible Society. The 
tactics of the opj)osItion were instantly changed, and as 
they could not prevent its formation, it became their 
object to reduce its proportions as much as possible, to 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 353 

restrict and hamper its action, and confine it within such 
strait limits as would prevent it from conflicting with 
the interests of the American Bible Society. The able 
leaders of the minority were not ignorant of the charac- 
ter, nor did they fail to surmise the purposes of Mr. 
Cone. They knew that the desire to give the whole 
world pure versions of the word of God was in his 
heart — that the desire was an indomitable one — that 
between his thoughts and actions time rarely made 
much gap. They saw that the instant he obtained the 
machinery of a Bible Society, pledged, under his resolu- 
tion, simply to " circulate the sacred Scriptures," the 
home field would not be long unoccupied, nor King 
James's Bible long unimpeached as a witness for truth. 
Therefore they expended their whole force in the endea- 
vor to add the words, '' in foreign languages." The 
abstract of the arguments we have given fairly, repre- 
sents the tone of the opposition debates. 

In answer to them, at diff*erent times, during the four 
days' debate, and with an eloquence, the eff*ects of which 
the opposition vainly endeavored to sneer away, by 
stigmatizing it as " poetry " — " rhetoric " — •" declama- 
tion," &c., " the usual resort of men who seek rather to 
infiame passion and prejudice, than to convince reason," 
&c., &c., 

Mr. Cone presented his reasons for calling the meet- 
ing at Hartford ; for forming the provisional Bible 
Society, and finally for appealing to that body, the 
representatives of the whole denomination, to ratify his 
acts. He contended that it was necessary to organize a 
new society. That delegates from twenty-four States 
were present, and the sentiment of the denomination on 
the subject could be fairly ascertained. That he 
believed it to be the imperative and pleasing duty of the 
Baptists of the United States to organize such a society. 



354: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

That they would sustain it liberally. The field was the 
world. The British and Foreign and American Bible 
Societies would no longer aid Baptists, unless they 
would consent to conform to the principle in their 
versions, which their missionaries and the whole deno- 
mination had disallowed. Baptists must, therefore, aid 
themselves. They were bound to give vernacularly the 
mind of the spirit, in the nearest possible approach to 
that mind as expressed in the original record. They 
Iiad greater prospects of success than had ever fallen to 
the lot of any denomination. America was the land of 
Baptists. Eoger Williams contended undauntedly and 
successfully for the "Voluntary Principle," viz., tliat a 
man cannot be born in a system of faith — ^that he must 
take the Bible as his only guide. This principle had 
been introduced into all the institutions of civil and 
religious freedom, which distinguished our happy land. 
He would say, then, under the circumstances in which 
the Baptists in the United States were placed — where 
there were no acts of uniformity — where there was no 
union of Church and State — where there was no sword 
of majesty placed in the hand of religious despotism, 
they ought to act unshackled and fearlessly. This was 
the land where we spoke as we printed, and printed 
what we spoke, and there was " none daring to make us 
afraid." Baptists wanted no new Bible ; they merely 
wished to have the privilege of printing and circulating 
it as they understood it now. "Were they to stand still? 
Must they not give the Scriptures unmutilated and 
uncovered to the nations of the earth ? An organization 
to do so, would be the most popular of all Christian 
efi*orts. Baptist Missionaries have translated the Bible 
into the languages on both sides the Ganges. They lift 
a piercing cry to us. Shall that cry be unheard? Ger- 
many, too, implores aid. Have American Baptists for- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOIT CONE. 355 

gotten that they have martyrs to their principles in that 
land? No one was more devoted to the missionary 
interest than he was. It had been said we can send all 
our funds through that channel. We could not. That 
society had as much to do now as it could attend to. 
The formation of the American and Foreign Bible 
Society had already tested the wishes of the denomina- 
tion. With very little effort $21,000 (in one year, the 
first of its existence) had been thrown into the treasury, 
and $15,000 more subscribed. He gave a detailed 
account of the controversy between the Baptists and the 
American Bible Society. Ill-used as the Baptists had 
been, but one course was left them — the one they had 
taken. Baptists were under as much obligation to print 
a pure version as to preach it. He had not called the 
Convention ex-oflScio— -as president, as was charged; he 
had merely ashed that there might be a full representa- 
tion, and that such as could not come would send their 
opinions. It was unjust to charge that he had stretched 
his power. He did not think it wise to limit the society 
to foreign distribution. He desired a full discussion, 
and a public one. He desired the Baptist denomination 
to know what they did there. He wished to lie no 
longer under the imputations which had been put upon 
him. It had been said for a year past that he was mis- 
representing his denomination. He wished that con^ 
vention to say whether he had or had not misrepresented 
it. He desired to test the sentiment of the whole deno- 
mination. 

A great deal had been said in regard to the transla- 
tors and translation of the Scriptures. He had heard his 
brethren here utter the most singular remarks in relation 
to the forty-nine translators appointed by King James ; 
and some had gone so far as to pronounce the Bible as 
translated by the distinguished forty-nine, a perfect 



356 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 

work ! Had we ever heard of a work so lauded to the 
skies? The modest Gary devoted forty odd years to the 
translation of his work, and what was his answer to a I 
question in reference to it ? " It may he made a perfect 
worhP They were met, when discussing the proprietj^ 
of extending the operations of the society to dom^estic 
distribution, wath the argument that they were not to I 
assume the name ^^ American^^ because it would look " 
to a period of a change of the version. He was really 
astonished at the trepidation and fears of some of his 
brethren. He believed that the time was not far distant 
when in England a new version would be prepared and 
presented to English readers. Yates had translated the 
IsTew Testament from the original Greek into English. 
When he heard so much said as to the " forty-nine " 
translators (of King James), heard them so lauded to 
the skies, he asked — " Who knows that they were such 
very learned men?" He had looked into the matter, 
and could not discover that they were men of such 
extraordinary and transcendent talents. Where were 
their learned works — their critical and extensive know- 
ledge ? Did gentlemen feel at liberty to say that forty- 
nine Baptists could not come together, and make 
amendments in the version of the Scriptures? He 
opposed transferring — because the result of it had been 
to unite Ghurch and State, and to produce much evil. 
He was not disposed to award King James's translators 
the high wrought eulogies he had heard pronounced on 
that floor. He could not discover foundation enough 
for them. He maintained that the word ^^ Baptizo^'^ 
meant to immerse. He would neither repeat nor reply 
to the personal allusions and charges made against 
liini. 

Tliroughout the debate he was boldly and eloquently 
sustained by Drs. B. T. Welsh of Albany ; Cushman, of 



LIFE OF SPEISrCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 357 

Philadelphia; Kendrick, of Hamilton, New York; 
Professor Kjiowles, of Massachusetts ; Mr. Tinsley, of 
Yirginia ; Mason, of South Carolina ; Anderson, of 
Kentucky; Armstrong, of North Carolina; Octavius 
Winslow, then of New York, now of Leamington, Eng- 
land ; Sommers, of New York ; J. B. Jeter, of Virginia; 
Crane, of Baltimore ; Galusha, of New York ; Mills, of 
Virginia ; and others. 

Of the efforts of Drs. Welsh and Cushman, in that 
crisis, he always spoke in terms of unqualified admira- 
tion. He has often repeated since that Bartholomew T. 
"Welsh made the ablest speech in favor of pure versions 
that was made in that body. The impression left upon 
the minds, both of friends and enemies, by this Conven- 
tion, was that a new version of the English Scriptures 
must ultimately be produced. The " Bible Repertory " 
for July, 1838, in its review of the proceedings of that 
body, said — "Every principle of the movement was 
general^ and every argument of the Convention went as 
strongly for an English translation, as for a Burman or 
a Bengalee. Every speaker who alluded to tlie matter 
of translation at all, seemed to look, with one eye at 
least, tow^ards an English translation. "^ ^ ^ "^ \\^ 
was only by mutual compromise, that they confined 
their operations/br one year to foreign lands." 

The American and Foreign Bible Society was 
originally constituted as the advocate and exponent of 
the principle of pure translation. This was clearly set 
forth in the first article of its constitution, which defined 
its " single object" to be •' to promote a wider circula- 
tion of the Holy Scriptures, in the most faithful versions 
that can be procured." 

We will say here that in making up this review of 
the progress of the principle embodied in that first 
article, we avail ourselves of Dr. Baker's address ; the 



358 LIFE OF 6PENCER HOIJGHTON CON"E. 

reports and addresses of the different societies; Mr. 
Cone's speeches and letters ; Cone and Wyckoff 's work, 
"The Bible; its Excellence," and other similar docu- 
ments, nsing or condensing their language, as the space 
"which can be allotted to the subject demands. The 
annual meeting, in April, 1838, decided the question of 
entering upon the work of domestic distribution. There 
was no direct opposition to the measure, but some 
thought that prudence required the postponement of the 
work till the new organization had acquired more 
strength, and was better able to undertake it. At that 
meeting they agreed to distribute the commonly^ receiv- 
ed version of the English Scriptures " until otherwise 
ordered by the society." The position of the society 
was thus established. Its principle. Pure Versions for 
THE World, the English version being temporarily 
excepted, until experience in its new duties, and enlarg- 
ed observation, should prepare the body for procuring 
a thorough and faithful version. So firmly established 
was this original policy of the Institution, that the pages 
of the annual reports and addresses abound with expres- 
sions upon the subject of the most unequivocal charac- 
ter. In one report the object of the organization is 
described as " the glorious enterprise of giving the 
'BihlQ faithfully translated to all nations." In another, 
" the distinguishing principles of the society " are 
declared to be '' The Bible — the Bible faithfully trans- 
lated FOR THE WORLD." In auotlicr it is declared '' Let 
but THE Bible, pure and ttnmutilated^ be universally 
distributed, and armed with the Spirit's power, it will 
conquer the world for Christ." 

The third annual meeting was held in the Oliver 
street meeting-house, Tuesday, April 28th, 1840. Mr. 
Cone was again chosen its president, and said in his 
address, that " In the prosecution of their labors, they 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTO:^' CONE. 359 

had been mucli gratified to find that aU the Baptist Mis- 
sionaries of England and America were of one heart and 
one judgment with them^ in the Bible cause. ^ ^ ^ In 
the estimation of some, the formation of our society was, 
indeed, the day of sw.aTl things. Even the late excel- 
lent Dr. Fish ventured to predict, upon the platform of 
the American Bible Society, that the effort could not 
succeed, because his own denomination, as numerous 
and wealthy as ours, had tried the experiment, and 
failed. ^ ^^ -^ The dav of small thin2:s is never to be 
despised, if it spring from an orb of indestructible light. 
Clouds may overshadow its rising, but sooner or later it 
shall attain meridian splendor." 

In reference to the subject of its home distribution, 
the article in the ^' Bible Eepertory," already quoted 
from, says: "Soon the home distribution must com- 
mence ; indeed, at the recent annual meeting in New 
York, they resolved to take it up at once; and then 
they encounter again the untranslated Bajytizo^ and 
after the Burman precedent of conscientiousness^ what 
will conscience dictate then ? How long will the trans- 
lating society be content to translate into one language, 
and transfer into another ? If the Baptists can consent 
to use the common English version in this country, 
while they make such conscientious ado about the foreign 
versions, corresponding to that in the principle of their 
translation, we shall be forced to entertain a disrespect 
for their consistency, which we cannot now think them 
capable of deserving." The "Bible Repertory" is a 
very able Presbyterian publication. 

It was clearly the opinion of the whole Pedo-Baptist 
world that, having committed themselves to ther princi- 
ple of "pure versions for the world," the Baptists could 
not, without covering themselves with confusion, strike 
England and America out of the map. The principle 



360 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

was either true or false ; and if true as to one language, 
must be true as to all. It was either a whim or a duty. 
If a whim, it was unworthy a great religious denomina- 
tion ; if a duty, it admitted of no circumstance quoad 
majus, or minus; it admitted no exception on the 
ground of expediency. The latter view was the one 
taken by President Cone. Strange to say, many good 
men admitted the duty^ but obej^ed the expediency j for- 
getting that expediency, a fickle tyrant seldom fails to 
prove a hard master ; whilst God and duty, always sure, 
shelter obedience behind the eternal fortress of the 
" rock of ages." 

The fourth anniversary of the American and Foreign 
Bible Society was held in the Calvert street Baptist 
meeting-house, Baltimore, April 27th, 1841. 

In reference to this meeting, and some interesting 
facts and circumstances preceding it, we shall quote the 
testimony of the Rev. Dr. Joseph Belcher, of Philadel- 
phia, published in the " Christian Be view " for January, 
1856. 

''Dr. Cone had a remarkable tact for the execution 
of ecclesiastical business, and hence he was, more fre- 
quently, perhaps, than any other man in his denomina- 
tion, called to preside at public meetings. To say 
nothing here of his presidency, first of the American 
and Foreign Bible Society, from its origin till 1850, and 
afterwards of the American Bible Union ; or of his being 
many years, before either of these societies existed, a 
secretary of the American Bible Society ; he was, for 
many years together, the moderator of each of the asso- 
ciations to which he belonged ; and in 1832, 1835, and 
1838 he was elected president of the Triennial Conven- 
tion, including representatives of the Baptist body from 
every State of the Union. Those who remember the 
manner in which he discharged the duties of this office, 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 361 

may well shed an additional tear over his loss. Not 
very many, perhaps, who were present at the Conven- 
tion in Richmond, in 1835, will cast their eyes over this 
page, but those who may do so will remember the im- 
pression he then produced. The delegation from 
England, consisting of the late venerable and beloved 
Drs. Cox and Hoby, when speaking in their printed 
volume of the manner in which he gave them, at the 
request of the body, the hand of fellowship, say, ' Well 
did he sustain the dignity of his office, while with equal 
affection and eloquence, he received us as brethren 
beloved for our works' sake, and emphatically as 
Englishmen^ as Christians and as ministers, "We 
welcome you," said he, " to our country, our churches, 
our houses, and our hearts." When the tumult of emo- 
tion had subsided, after a few moments of solemn still- 
ness which succeeded the president's address, he rose, 
and gave out a stanza of the hymn which commences — • 

" Blest be the tie that binds 
Our hearts in Christian love." ' 

" We happen to know that this statement was not made 
in a merely complimentary manner, as we heard more 
than once from their own lips even stronger expressions 
of admiration of his spirit and conduct. 

" Perhaps his talent in discharging the duties of a 
chairman was best evinced in preventing the introduc- 
tion of irrelevant matter. It is probable, however, that 
on no other occasion was his control of a public body so 
fully shown, as at the fourth annual meeting of the 
American and Foreign Bible Society, held at Baltimore 
in 1841. The reader will probably recollect the circum- 
stances under which our denomination was then placed. 
For nearly a generation had the whole body of 

16 



362 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Baptists, from Maine to Georgia, acted in perfect har- 
mony, in sending missionaries to the heathen, and sus- 
taining them in their labors ; and with almost equal har- 
mony had they acted in labors at home, as also from its 
origin, for years before this period, in the American and 
Foreign Bible Society. But dark clouds were now hov- 
ering over the whole land, opposing elements were col- 
lecting alike from the north and the south, flashes of 
lightning had for some time past indicated the approach 
of a storm, which was to rend the body asunder at Bal- 
timore, during that last week in April. One class of 
brethren had determined, cost what it might, to seek the 
immediate destruction of the system of slavery, or at 
least to hold no further fellowship with those who sus- 
tained it, and another class resolved, if possible, to con- 
tinue united efforts to extend the Gospel, in which all 
hitherto united as one. Strongly excited feelings had 
already been privately manifested, and as no one could 
tell whether the awful explosion would take place in 
the Bible Society, or in the Home Mission, or in the 
Triennial Convention of Foreign Missions, alarm pre- 
vailed. It was the lot of the Bible Society to meet first 
on the morning of Tuesday. Brother Cone was in the 
chair, and after the usual preliminaries, rose to deliver 
his annual address. It was eminently characteristic. 
He evidently felt his solemn responsibility, as giving, in 
some degree, tone to the meetings of many days, and 
made an effort to ward off, if possible, the danger. 
From the speech, as printed with the fourth annual 
report, we give an extract. 

'* To the successful prosecution of this enterprise, 
union is indispensable. Do soldiers and politicians, and 
men of the world, appreciate duly the importance of 
this principle, in their rarious spheres of action ? God 
forbid that they should continue to be wiser in their 



LIFE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTOX CONE. 363 

generation than tlie children of light are in theirs. In 
coming to this house to-day, my heart was deeply 
affected, while I leaned upon the arm of a brother, and 
gazed upon the Calvert street naonument, erected to the 
memory of the brave men who fell at the battle of the 
North Point, September 12th, 1814. The first names 
which my eyes rested upon were McComas and Wells, 
and in an instant the scenes of that memorable day 
were present. We belonged to the battalion of sharp- 
shooters, and were stationed in the edge of a wood, 
some five or six miles distant from the Point, when one 
of the videttes riding furiously to head quarters, deliv- 
ered the stirring news that the British were landing 
below us. The General immediately sent one of his aids 
along the line for two hundred volunteers, including 
forty sharp-shooters, to feel the pulse of the enemy. As 
they stepped out one after another. Wells said to me, ' I 
am this day twenty-one years old, just out of my 
apprenticeship ; I know I shall be shot, but I'll go with 
you, live or die.' We advanced rapidly to ascertain the 
position of the invaders, and were soon upon them; 
swift flew the leaden messengers, and one of the first was 
sent to poor Wells ; it passed through his head, and he 
faintly exclaimed, ' lam a dead man P Oh, never shall 
I forget the sound of his voice as he uttered the words, 
nor the expression of his glassy eye, as he looked up in 
my face, fell across my feet, and expired. 

'' My brethren, shall men thus devote themselves to 
their country, and follow their leader, whether to live 
or die, and shall we not manifest equal devotion to 
the cause of the Great Captain of our salvation? Do 
we talk of union% Baltimoreans, participators in the 
scenes of September, 1814, preach to American Baptists, 
I beseech you, on the nature and necessity of union. 
Eemember the bombardment of Fort McHenry, as from 



364 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

the opposite hill-top we watched the range of each suc- 
cessive shell, and as it exploded groaned inwardly as 
though it were the death-knell of some brother in arms ; 
remember, that full ten thousand men were at the same 
moment pressing with hostile feet our native soil, and 
already within a few miles of this devoted city ; remem- 
ber that as we prepared to meet them, how every 
avenue for miles around, was crowded with women and 
children flying for safety ; tlien^ when we saw some 
troops from Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, 
coming to our aid, did we ask 'from what States do 
they come?' did we pause to discuss domestic institu- 
tions or local prejudices? No! the stars and stripes 
upon their floating banner, bespoke a common country, 
and a common cause ; and to preserve the bold American 
Eagle from the paws of the British Lion, was the ardent, 
the common purpose of every patriotic heart. "We 
heard the immortal Washington, the father of his coun- 
try, though dead, yet speaking — ' United we stand^ 
divided imfallf and shoulder to shoulder, we breasted 
the storm of war. And shall we not much rather be 
united in wielding the sword of the Spirit, which is the 
Word of God, in obevino; the commandment of Him 
' who came not to destroy men's lives but to save 
them ?' Brethren, excuse this extemporaneous burst of 
feeling, and these allusions to the battle-field and gar- 
ments rolled in blood ; they came upon me suddenly, 
with a force that would not brook control. But let me 
not be misunderstood. I love my country, and were it 
necessary should not hesitate a moment to stand forth 
again in her defence ; but I abhor war, and deprecate 
its recurrence as one of the greatest of national calamities, 
especially a war between Great Britain and the United 
States. Let us strive against it, and pray always that 
these two nations, now accomplishing so much in 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 365 

extending the means of civilization and salvation to 
earth's remotest bound, may henceforth be delightfully 
and profitably employed in provoking one another to 
love and good works." 

The result of this address, delivered in his own anima- 
ted manner, was to allay the storm, and to produce a 
sacred determination to maintain the peace and union 
which had so long reigned, and the object for this time 
was secured." 

His views prevailed at the time, but subsequently a 
division took place in the Foreign and Home Mission 
ranks. Of this division and its results we have already 
given an account. But no such marked division ever 
took place in Bible operations. Southern Bible boards 
were formed, connected with the Southern Baptist 
Biennial Convention, but sympathy and co-operation in 
the cause of pure versions continue to the present day 
between Baptists who love the truth throughout the 
whole Union. 



366 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE, 



CHAPTER XX. 

EEYISED ENGLISH YEESION AND EYENTS OF 184:9-50. 

The question of a revised English version began 
very soon to be considered. It found, we believe, the 
first public denominational expression in its favor at tlie 
General Convention of Western Baptists, held at 
Cincinnati, November 2d, 1836, in an address of Dr. 
Maclay's, the sentiments of which met with universal 
favor. " The day may come," said he, " and perhaps is 
not distant, when the Baptist denomination will give a 
version in the English language, wherein the word 
(baptizo) will be faithfully translated." The idea of an 
English translation lay, indeed, at the root of the whole 
matter. Pedo-Baptists saw this sooner, and more surely 
than many Baptists. They were more logical in their 
inferences. It showed itself in the instructions issued 
to Baptist missionaries, in April, 1833, by the Board of 
Foreign Missions which met at Salem, viz : ^' to transfer 
no words which are capable of being literally trans- 
lated. " Nor was the question of a revised version a new 
one in the United States. Bev. Morgan Edwards, 
author of a history of the Baptists in Pennsylvania, 
advocated it. Charles Thompson, secretary of the first 
Provincial Congress, published a translation of the Sep- 
tuagint. It was agitated in 1796, in the New York 
Association, and " the terms of baptism proposed to 
be translated agreeably to their original hnjportP 

Mr. Cone's course with regard to the subject, was, 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 367 

from tlie first, uniform and consistent. In the words of 
Dr. Baker — '*If he embraced a principle he was not the 
man to flinch from its open advocacy on all proper 
occasions. If he believed that infant sprinkling is " the 
last pillar of Popery," and had set himself to the task of 
writing a history of Romanism, he would have gone to 
work to batter down this last pillar. When truth was 
at stake he received " not honor from men," but sought 
"The honor that cometh from God, only." His motto 
was, " The Bible faithfully translated for all the world ;" 
and for this he steadily contended, insisting in public 
and in private, on all suitable occasions, that the cause 
of God and righteousness requires, that the Sacred 
Scriptures should be given in their purity, fully and 
accurately translated, to all the inhabitants of the 
earth. And when he spoke of '' giving to all lands the 
word of God faithfully translated," he really supposed 
that England and America were necessarily included in 
the words " all landsP In strict consistency with his 
principles, he constantly advocated the correction of the 
English version." 

Having arrived at this conclusion, all his deductions 
from it were logical. What was true, was true every- 
where, and always. The essence of truth was eternity 
and invariability; if the Word of God must be given 
purely to heathen nations. Christian lands had an equal 
right to it. If wrong to conceal any part of it in India, 
it was equally wrong to cover up or conceal in Amer- 
ica. " The sword of the spirit," he said, " must be 
drawn out of King James's scabbard." The objects for 
which he pleaded on the platform or from the pulpit, 
were the objects for which he labored everywhere. 
That which distinguished him, in his attachment to the 
rule of translating God's Word, from many of his breth- 
ren, was, that his attachment was lo'oe in action and 



368 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

uniyersal in its cliaracter. The object of his attachment 
was not a something not to be touched with one of his 
fingers, but a principle which was to serve as a rule of 
action ; lie saw no good reason for excluding his country- 
men from the benefits of its application." 

Error, although wounded to the death, dies hard. 
" "Writhing amid her worshippers," she strikes wildly on 
every side. The pains of dissolution add horror to her 
crest, and venom to her sting. 

With the first announcement of the principle of 
"pure versions of the sacred Scriptures for the world," 
she felt the principle of her own life invaded. It was 
not wonderful, therefore, that she should rally all her 
strength to repel the dangerous assault, and crush, if 
possible, the enemj^ who threatened hei\ How despe- 
rate and unscrupulous the means resorted to, to gain 
that end, and with what a common consent and cunning 
her partisans acted together, we shall proceed to show 
before entering upon the last chapter devoted to the his- 
tory of the revision movement. Our narrative would 
be imperfect without it. To-day we have the record 
open and fresh before us. The words of his opponents 
are in evidence against them. After a few years, it 
would be impossible to collect the material scattered, as 
it is, through an hundred newspapers, issued from every 
point of the American continent. Without condensing 
them here there would be a gap which the future could 
not fill up, and in the absence of such a record, it might 
be tempted to think that we had magnified the trial 
through which he passed, by way of adding a fictitious 
value to the services he performed. 

A rapid digest of the whole matter at issue, from the 
first, and of the various pleadings, will show how 
exceeding bitter they were against him, and through 



I 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 369 

what a host of resolute foes he carried the banner of 
revision, with God to aid, victorionsly to the end. 

Up to the year 1850, neither the American and 
Foreign Bible Society nor its Board ever bound them- 
selves not to ch'culate a corrected English version. The 
temporary resolution of 1838 confined the Board to the 
commonly received English version, imtil otherwise 
directed hj the Society, At the annual meeting in 18495 
that restriction was removed. The Board subseq[uently 
passed unanimously the following resolutions, which 
were introduced by the Hon. Isaac Davis, of Massachu- 
setts : 

Eesohed^ That, in the opinion of this Board, the Sacred Scrip- 
tures of the Old and IvTew Testament ought to be faithfully and 
accurately translated into every living language. 

Eesohed^ That wherever, in versions now in use, known and 
obvious errors exist, and wherever the meaning of the original is 
concealed or obscured, suitable measures ought to be prosecuted to 
correct those versions, so as to render the truth clear and intelligible 
to the ordinary reader. 

Eesohed^ That in regard to the expediency of this Board under- 
taking the correction of the English version, a decided difference of 
opinion exists, and therefore that it be judged most prudent to await 
the instructions of the Society. 

In the spring of 1850, Spencer H. Cone and William 
H. Wyckoff issued their tract called " The Bible Trans- 
lated." In one of the concluding paragraphs of this 
pamphlet, the authors state, that a corrected edition of 
the English New Testament had been prepared by 
them ; that copies would be sent to every member of 
the Society who wished to examine it. They invited its 
examination, and solicited the attendance of all who felt 
interested in it, at the approaching anniversary. At 
that time they also informed them the stereotype plates 
of the work would be offered to the society, as a dona- 

16^ 



370 LIFE OF SPE:N^CER HOUGHTON CONE. 

tion, with a proviso that they should be printed from 
according to whatever demand the public might make 
for copies. The authors did not even profess to have- 
removed all known errors, but only such as could be 
rectified without hazard of any difference of opinion 
among Greek scholars. 

The tract closes, as he closed everything referring 
to \k^ Master's kingdom, with an appeal to his bre- 
thren to take the matter to the throne of heavenly 
Grace; to shake off the fear of man, and inquire only 
whether it will please God ; to believe that he and his 
associates were pleading " the cause of duty— of con- 
science — of Jehovah." 

Such was the appeal for a revised version of the 
English Scriptures. Five or six years only have passed 
since it was made, and at even that short distance of 
time it is hard to discover how it could properly be 
charged as dangerous or wicked. The presentment 
seems, indeed, to be plain, modest, and Christian-like. 
Its authors certainly had no idea, no suspicion that they 
had committed a high crime against the Christian 
world and the English language. '' They had acted as 
individuals claiming the right of private judgment," 
and yet, from the date of its publication to the meeting 
of the American and Foreign Bible Society, in 1860, what 
a storm of indignation pelted pitilessly upon them. If 
Tetzel had been alive again to sell " indulgences," and 
Luther to write "theses," and the thunder of the Vati- 
can, yet armed with all its terrors. Reform could not 
have been more bitterly assailed. Almost the whole 
Baptist press were in opposition. They teemed with 
articles of unsurpassed violence. No charges were too 
serious to make, no means considered unworthy against 
the man who had come to turn the world upside down. 
" Churches had been snared and taken "— " the denomi- 



LIFE OF 8PENCEE HOUGHTON GONE. 371 

national name tarnished "-" principles of honor wliicli 
are looked for in religions connections trifled with. it 
was assumed that-" the oflacers of the society were 
taking advantage of their position, to induce it to tram- 
ple on its own covenant with the churches. iHe 
plan of action proposed, involved a temptation to an 
abuse of trust— a gross departure from fair and honora- 
ble dealing." ^i • x- 

Such were a few of the harsh and nn-Christian 
charges exhibited against Cone and Wyckoff, by the 
editors of Baput journals. It is curious to remember 
that the majority of editors were also ministers of the 
Gospel, and professed not only to preach peace on earth, 
and good will to man, but to draw the sweetest assu- 
rances that "they had passed from death ^unto life, 
from the fact that " they loved the brethren." 

And it was thus they manifested their love for these 
brethren whose alarming motto was " the truth of God 
for tU worUP They said they were "radical men, 
intoxicated by the dignities of office, and the possession 
of temporary power." We quote always the exact 
words of the opposition— suppressing much of strange 
unworthiness, but adding nothing : and see what burn- 
ing ploughshares were laid everywhere for those two to 
walk npon, because they chose to obey God rather than 
man. It was felt at the time, that the agitation was 
kept alive by a bitter spirit ; it is conceded now the 
feeling which animated it was not a Christian one. _ it 
has since very clearly appeared that it was put in motion 
and kept working "by a few individuals in the city ot 
New York and its vicinity. Their subsequent conduct 
affords too much reason to fear that a veneration for 
King James's version was not the exclusive motive, it 
looks too much as if calculations of personal benefit and 
advantage, or a sense of weariness at hearing Aristides 



372 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON" CONE. 

always called the Just, had exercised the larger but 
less honorable influence. 

The cry, started in New York, was adroitly made to 
echo itself, as it were by a spontaneous burst of public 
sentiment, from every quarter of the land. Urgent 
appeals, couched in every form of language, were made 
to all the members of the society, who did not desire to 
see so noble an institution ruined, to come up to its next 
anniversary prepared to put down, at once, the dreadful 
scheme. A very dear friend of Mr. Cone's, a methodi- 
cal man whom nothing escapes, was at the pains to 
collect and put together all that was printed by the 
opposition. We have that curious volume before us. 
It is a very strange collection ; strange to see the word 
"Baptist" printed before the other titles of newspapers 
issued from every section of the country ; but strangest 
of all to consider the character of the arguments 
advanced. With one accord they assume that Cone 
and Wyckoff, as they styled them, had made a new 
Bible! and were bent upon straining their official 
influence to obtain the society's endorsement of their 
manufacture. And this w^hen they knew, on the con- 
trary, that " Cone and Wyckoff" had merely corrected 
some well-known errors in the renderings of the New 
Testament; that their work had been stereotyped, 
through the liberality of a private Christian ; had been 
published as a private enterprise, along with their 
reasons for the undertaking; and that their whole 
project was to offer the plates as a donation to the 
society. 

It is, however, merely fair to allow the newspapers to 
state things in their own way. How far their manner 
of reasoning will persuade Baptists, or those of any sect 
who aim only at the truth, time must show. They said, 
"They wanted no new Bible, because the old one was 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 373 

good enough." " It had defects, but was the most 
perfect translation ever made." ''It was a Baptist 
Bible as it stood^ "If Baptists make a new one 
(Translation or Kevelation ?) it will separate them further 
than ever from Pedo-Baptists, who will more than ever 
call them sectarian." " It would involve the abandon- 
ment of the denominational name." "The Bible 
Society was not a proper body to make such a version." 
"If it were — it was inexpedient," &c. &c. 

But not once, from press or pulpit, was the question 
asked or answered by the opposition. Is it the duty 
of Christians to remdve notorious errors and obscurities 
from the present English version ? That question, 
and that only was put by Spencer H. Cone and 
William H. Wyckoff, in their tract "The Bible Trans- 
lated ;" and as a question of Christian duty it was never 
met ! 

The excitement, already described, having been skill- 
fully fanned into so bright a flame, seemed to lead 
naturally and necessarily to the meeting in Oliver street, 
April 4th 1850. Tliis meeting was commonly known 
as the " Indignation Meeting," and was called to oppose 
the project, described in the Hartford " Christian Secre- 
tary," of April 5th, 1850, " the gilded pill " of " the 
modern New York firm of publishers, Cone and 
Wyckoff." 

How singular the repetition of such a sentence 
sounds now, when so vast an amount of the learning and 
piety of the Christian world is engaged in carrying 
on that project. The date fixes it, beyond a doubt, in 
the latter part of the nineteenth century; and yet it 
seems almost as if one of those cardinals, who urged 
the imprisonment of Galileo for asserting that the earth 
revolved about the sun, was yet speaking. 

The call for the meeting in Oliver street, signed by 



374: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

several Baptist ministers, and many wealthy and 
influential laymen, was addressed to the friends of the 
society opposed to '' the project for a corrected version of 
the English Scriptures," as described in a pamphlet by 
Eev. Dr. Cone and Mr. William H. Wyckoff. The 
purpose of the meeting was set forth to be, '^ to take 
such action as may be deemed advisable to awaken tlie 
friends of the society who live at distance, to the 
dangers which impend over it from this measure." 

On the night designated, a large number of persons 
assembled in Oliver street meeting-house, among whom 
were many friends of the revision movement. 

The meeting was called to order, and Rev. B. T. 
Welch elected chairman. Dr. Welch stated the objects 
of the meeting. Portions of a reply to a pamphlet of 
Dr. Cone and Mr. Wyckoff were then read, and a series 
of resolutions passed. The resolutions developed no 
new idea. They simply reiterated the assertion that 
translating the Scriptures for the heathen was one 
thing, and for English readers another ; that, although 
they admitted the imperfections of the commonly 
received version, they deprecated any attempt to depre- 
ciate its excellence as calculated to endanger the res- 
pect due to it ; that to correct it, was the work of 
Christendom — ^not of a single denomination; that it 
would injure Sunday schools; endanger the union of 
sects in labors of common interest ; that to substitute 
immerse for iaptize would be to ignore the*denomina- 
tional history, and was a responsibility from which they 
shrank ; and therefore they resolved, lastly, " to sound 
a serious alarm to friends of the societv, at a distance, 
to attend the meeting of the society, and refuse the 
plates of the amended version — and, '' re-enact a funda- 
mental law which shall bind the society to the circula- 
tion of the commonly received version." These resolu- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 375 

tions were supported by speeches which were thought 
not to have added anj^thing to the argument. 

Almost immediately after this meeting, appeared the 
pastoral letter of Dr. Wm. R. Williams, of New York, to 
members of Amity street Church, in answer to certain 
inquiries upon the meaning of the word baptize, &c. 
From the celebrity of its author, as a scholar and writer, 
and the prominence given to this particular production 
by the chief actors in the Oliver street meeting, it must 
he regarded as a strong link in the chain of events 
which brought about the final action of the society in 
1850. 

The peculiar ability of the author characterized it. 
It displayed to advantage, his varied and elegant 
accomplishments as a scholar; his acute, and perhaps 
dangerous critical aptness, and his mastery of dialectics. 
It was almost entirely confined to a minute review of the 
pamphlet issued by S. H. Cone and "Wm. H. Wyckofi*, 
and received unmeasured applause from those who 
approved of the object designed to be accomplished by it. 
In the opinion of those well qualified to judge, it was 
completely answered, and its criticisms and objections 
disposed of by a review which appeared in the "New 
York Chronicle." 

The excitement of the time has passed away. The 
two productions must stand on their own merits as the 
work of Baptist ministers. So considered, few Christ- 
ians would fail to remark the striking difference in their 
religious tone. 

The authors of " The Bible Translated," commence 
with such texts as these impressed upon their hearts and 
work. " Ye shall not add to the word which I com- 
mand you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it."— 
" K any man add unto these things, God shall add unto 
him the plagues that are written in this book. If any 



376 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOTJGHTOJST CONE. 

man shall take away from the words of the book of this 
prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book 
of life," and others of like import. From these solemn 
warnings they deduced the duty of Christians to reject 
" additions," and to replace whatever had been " taken 
away " from " the words of the Book." They further 
proclaimed that, " a follower of Christ has no right to 
conceal what his Lord has communicated for the 
knowledge of man. ^ ^ "^ Grod has revealed His 
will in the Scriptures. All speculations, as to what 
part of this may or may not do good, are forbidden to 
man. ^ ^ ^ It is God's Revelation, not man's." 
and the tract closes with this " solemn appeal." '^ Breth- 
ren, weigh this matter carefully. Examine it at the 
throne of Heavenly Grace. Look at the probable con- 
sequences oi jyrojpagating the tmith of God. If it will 
please Him to spread the knowledge of the truth, then 
hesitate not on account of the fear of man. Had we 
invited you to conceal the truth, you might suspect us ; 
had we asked you to compromise it, you w^ould be 
reasonably indignant. But we request you to liberate 
from captivity the words of Christ — to let the truth as it 
is in Jesus go free from the fetters in which it has been 
so long bound. We plead the cause of duty; of 
conscience ; of Jehovah." 

These appear to be the suggestions of practical piety, 
of evangelical religion. We seek in the " Pastoral 
Letter," an answer to them, and are surprised that no 
answer, no allusion, however remote, is made to the 
passages of Scripture claimed to be " the Law and the 
Testimony," controlling the decision in this case. No 
notice is taken of the inferences, as to Christian duty, 
towards God and man, drawn from the Divine com- 
mand above stated. The able author of the " Pastoral 
Letter," closes the work which displays his wealth 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 377 

of learning, and power of critical analysis, with a few 
sentences of great literary brilliancy, sentences which 
glitter indeed like polished steel, but reflect no ray of 
that mild and Heavenly light— that fire of Christian love 
which warms the " appeal " he is reviewing. 

The discussion and excitement was kept up from 
press and pulpit until the meeting of the society. 

Immediately preceding this meeting, a somewhat 
novel occurrence took place. As the first instance of 
the kind in the history of the Baptists, it is worthy of 
being recorded. Before the meeting of the society on 
the 22d of May, 1850, probably indeed sorm days iefore^ 
jprinted hallots^ containing an entire new list of officers, 
president included, were industriously circulated 
throughout the country* This ticket was elected, and 
thus the threats previously made in many of the 
religious papers, of a probable change in the adminis- 
tration of the society, were accomplished. 

At the annual meeting in 1850, Dr. Cone, as Presi- 
dent of the Society, delivered his annual address, in 
which his views and conduct, to say nothing of their 
correctness, were most fully vindicated from the charge 
of insincerity and inconsistency. A most animated dis- 
cussion took place, and the Society, to the astonishment 
and grief of many, rejected by an overwhelming vote 
the resolution : — 

Resolved^ That it is the duty of this Society to circulate the Sacred 
Scriptures in the most faithful versions that can l)e procured^ 

and adopted instead the following : — 

Eesohed^ That the Society in its issues and circulation of the 
Enghsh Scriptures be restricted to the commonly received versions 
without note or comment. 

Whereas^ By the Constitution of this Society, its object is ''to 
aid in the wider circulation of the Scriptures in all lands," therefore 



378 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Eesohecl, That it is not the province and duty of the American 
and Foreign Bible Society to attempt on their own part, or to pro- 
cure from others, a revision of the commonly received English ver- 
sion «>f the Sacred Scriptures. 

Four distinct rules or lines of policy are here 
marked : — 

1st. The Society binds itself to the perpetual and exclusive use of 
the common version, without condition or hope of change. 

2d. It prohibits itself from ever revising or correcting it, declar- 
ing this not to be "its province and duty." 

3d. It forbids any encouragement to others to do the work for 
the Society, asserting that it is not its province and duty to pro- 
cure a version from others. 

4th. It imposes a construction upon the Constitution that extends 
beyond the English. For ii; because the Constitution defines the 
object of the Society to be, " to aid in the wider circulation of the 
Holy Scriptures in ail lands," theeefoee it is not in its " province 
and duty " to revise or procure the revision of one version, it can- 
not be its province and duty to revise or procure the revision of any 
other version. 

The Society having thus decisively assumed an entirely 
new line of policy regarding the principle of pure ver- 
sions, proceeded to enforce that policy by removing 
from office those officers and managers (with the excep- 
tion of the president, who resigned) who were known to 
be in favor of removing the errors and obscurities from 
the common English version.— 1%^ Bible : Its Excel- 
lence. 

Dr. Cone then rose and said, "I believe my work in 
this society is done. Allow me to tender you my resig- 
nation ! I did not withdraw my name in advance, 
because of the seeming egotism of such a step. I thank 
you, my brethren, for the kindly manner in which you 
have been pleased to offer me once more the office of 
president of your society. But I cannot serve you 
longer. I am crushed." 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 379 

The society at first peremptorily refused to accept 
the resignation of their president. He was firm to his 
purpose however, and the resignation was finally 
accepted. Eev. Bartholomew T. Welch was then pro- 
posed as president, and nnanimously elected. 

Twelve members of the old Board, out of twenty -four, 
were removed on account of their favoring revision. 

" The whole number of votes cast was 297. The elec- 
tion of all the officers was nearly unanimous, with 
three exceptions, the corresponding secretary, treasurer 
and recording secretary — who were elected by con- 
siderable majorities. Mr. Cutting (opposed to the new 
version) received 125 votes out of the 197 for corres- 
ponding secretary — a majority of 34; Mr. Piatt like- 
wise received 125 votes for treasurer, against Mr. 
Colgate (new versionist) — a majority of 12; Mr. Ehees 
received 119 votes against 21 for his opponent. The 
current evidently ran strong. 

" The chair was taken by Bro. Sommers as first vice 
president of the society, and Dr. Cone took an eloquent 
and afi'ectionate leave of his brethren of the society. 

" ' I bid you, my brethren,' said he, ' an afi'ectionate 
farewell, as president of a society I have loved — which 
has cost me money, with much labor, prayers, and tears. 
I hope that God will direct your future course in mercy 
— that we may all do as much good as such creatures as 
we are able to accomplish. May the Lord bless you all.' 

'' Saying this he descended from the pulpit, and 
immediately left the house, accompanied by the former 
secretary, Mr. "Wyckoff. 

^ ^ % u Thus ends the most exciting and univers- 
ally interesting chapter of many years in the history of 
the Baptist denomination." — Wew York Tribune. 

"The sensation produced upon the audience was 
indescribable. The strongest sympathy was manifested 



380 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

for Dr. Cone, and many were affected to tears, not 
more on account of the resignation itself, than from the 
measure which led to it." 

They might well weep, but human tears w^ere vain to 
wipe the record out. A great society, founded upon an 
immutable principle, had abandoned its foundation to 
seek a resting place on the shifting sands of expediency. 
It had deserted the commandment of God, for the 
opinion of man. Forgetting every Christian grace, it 
had suffered envy, malice, and all uncharitableness to 
arm its hand against the head which had grown white 
in the service of the denomination it professed to repre- 
sent. Alarmed at the power of a principle which must 
compel all who wore the name of Baptists to be Baptists 
indeed, and, abandoning every form of alliance with 
unscriptural church establishments, obey the command, 
" Come out from among them, and be ye separate my 
people," they consummated an act without a parallel in 
their history. 

It was at once our privilege and our unhappiness to 
sit through that meeting. We sat very near the presi- 
dent. Although many there sympathized with him, 
none knew as well as we did with what anguish his 
heart was beating. The calm and Christian quiet of his 
manner was like the soft blue of a summer cloud above 
the ocean which yet heaves before the retiring storm. 
With bitter and relentless animosity 

" They in whose wars he had borne his part, 
They whom he loved with a brother's heart," 

were, hour after hour, insidiously aspersing his char- 
acter, maligning his motives, misrepresenting his conduct, 
and proscribing his friends. Except the last, all this 
would not have moved him. What merely affected 
himself never troubled him. It passed him like the 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 381 

idle wind, and left no mark on heart or head. But to 
attack Lis friends in whom he trusted and believed, was 
to find his most vulnerable point. But what above all 
made the weapons of his opponents keen and dreadful 
to him was this, that with every blow aimed at him, 
they struck down some cherished principle, in which he 
believed the truth of God, and the honor of his denomi- 
nation, were involved. We saw him walk the floor of his 
study during the few moments' respite allowed him, 
wringing his hands and crying out when he thought no 
one heard him — 'Hhat his people were abandoning their 
principles, that they were afraid and ashamed of the 
truth of God, and the baptism wherewith they had been 
immersed into his name, in the presence of men." We 
saw him bow his white head, and cover his face with 
his hands, and sob as if his heart were breaking — and 
an hour afterwards we saw him sitting calm, patient and 
impartial, to preside over the proceedings *of men who 
were laboring to undo all, he had spent everything he 
could command, money, influence, energy, all he had or 
was, to accomplish. Watching his face through it all, 
and knowing what a tempest of disappointment, mortifi- 
cation and sorrow was stirring his nature from its lowest 
depth, the words of Lear kept whirling through our 
mind : 

"I will not tax you with nnkindness, 
Here I stand your slave, 
A poor, iniSrm, weak and despised old man : 
But yet I call you servile ministers, 
That have joined 

Your high engendered battles 'gainst a head 
So old and white as this !" 



He was a '' slave" to God's people for the truth's sake, 
to what he believed to be the truth. Next to that, he 



382 



LIFE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTON" CONE. 



was bound to the good opinion of his brethren. He 
loved them. He desired to be loved ; it was the great 
want and craving of his nature. Nothing but his devo- 
tion to great principles upheld and fortified him against 
the loss of their sympathy. A personal attack was 
nothing. He could easily consent to bear and forget it. 
But to find himself deprived of the afi^ection of any 
number of his brethren, cut him to the heart. It 
brought him nearer to weakness than anything else 
which could happen to him. To avoid it, to retain their 
love, he was ready to make any sacrifice, and to con- 
cede everything, but principle. When it came to that, 
nothing moved him. The heart might throb, and the 
eye fill with tears, but the will was iron, the determi- 
nation to please God rather than man inflexible. Had 
he lost the confidence and love of any considerable por- 
tion of his denomination, or countrymen, by any dere- 
liction from'duty, or compromise of principle, he would 
never have held up his head afterwards ; but when he 
felt clear and free from such fault, felt that they, and 
not himself, were abandoning the vantage ground of 
truth, and going over to the dangerous morass of error, 
he felt the loss of their sympathy to be one of the sor- 
rows and trials of the way by which the Lord had led 
him, and to sustain him against which, he could lean 
upon his Master's staff". 

Tlius, when the American and Foreign Bible Society 
abandoned their original ground, and committed their 
great error, he felt it keenly, not because he believed 
the principle ultimately in danger, but because it forced 
the necessity of creating a new machinery for the spe- 
cific purpose of Bible translation ; divided the forces of 
the Baptists, and postponed the period of a revision of 
the English Scriptures. 
The party temporarily in the ascendency in the 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 383 

society believed, as they saw him leave the house on 
that eventful day, and bid them farewell as their presi- 
dent, that the power of the denomination had passed 
into their hands, and that the bold and trulv American 
enterprise of giving "pure translations of the sacred 
Scriptures to all lands," was defeated. Temporary 
majorities often make such mistakes. They neither 
understood the man they thwarted, nor the principle 
they shrank from. Death only could chill the courage 
of the one, and eternity will demonstrate the purity of 
the other. 

The most violent in opposition were Drs. Dowling, 
Hague, Granger, Wescott, and Ide. 

Against them, and on the side of pure versions and 
Mr. Cone, were Eev. T. Armitage, Prof. Eaton, Kev. O. B. 
Judd, William D. Murphy, William Colgate, William 
H. Wyckoff, and others. It would, perhaps, be super- 
fluous to say that the minority monopolized the argu- 
mentative portion of the debate. The majority, drilled 
and prepared to carry their purpose at whatever cost, 
felt all time consumed in speaking merely lost, and were 
anxious to come to the vote, and finish the matter. 
Indeed, one of their number had, at the opening of the 
meeting, proposed to take the question instantly. *' They 
had come there," he said, " to vote, not debate." Dr. 
Cone was almost unanimously elected, but, as we have 
seen, instantly refused a compliment which had quite as 
much the air of an insult. It is noticeable, however, 
that with all the canvassing and preparation on the 
election of the other officers, through whom the reproof 
was meant to be administered to their president, the 
opposition majority out of two hundred and ninety-seven 
votes was only thirty-four ; showing him to be sustained 
and supported in a meeting specially prepared and 
packed against him, by above an hundred and thirty 



384 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

votes. Indeed, had tlie tellers counted the Mariks cast 
in the contest for the secretaryship between William H. 
Wyckoff and Sewall S. Cutting, ''as both custom and 
law require, Mr. Cutting failed of an election " (New^ 
York Chronicle). This was the actual test election, and 
was only carried by over-riding both law and custom. 

This was of little matter, however ; the opposition had 
secured their end — they had rid themselves of their 
president. 

After he had retired, on motion of Rev. S. S. Cutting 
it w^as unanimously " Resolved — That this society enter- 
tains a high sense of the valuable services of the Eev. 
Spencer H. Cone, D.D., president of this society from 
the beginning of its history, and profoundly regret his 
retirement ; and that he will bear with him our best 
wishes for his long life, and his continued usefulness and 
happiness." 

It has been said '' that conversation is the art of con- 
cealing one's thoughts." How near kin conversation 
and " resolutions " may be is worthy to be considered. 

He was even urged, with some show of warmth, to 
retain the presidency. This was done to satisfy many 
who, though opposed to him, still loved and respected 
him. His remark with regard to it, made in his own 
quiet way, showed that he was not at all deceived by it. 
" Would they have the general," said he, '' keep the 
command of the army, after they had cashiered all the 
officers he loved, and taught his men to think him a 
traitor?" 

'' The opponents of the new version " — we quote again 
from Dr. Baker — "might have been characterized as 
the MANY MEN OF MANY MINDS. One was in favor of 
the commonly received version, because the translators 
had seen fit to insert the word Baptize there (Dr. Dow- 
ling). Another opposed it as a New York movement 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 385 

(Dr. Hague). Another contended that we did not need 
a revised version — we ought not to attempt to make one 
— and we could not accomplish it if we did try (Dr. 
Ide). He preferred his dear old English Bible ' as it 
was, with all its errors and inaccuracies.' A conclusion 
worthy of a courtier of King James I. ; but speaking 
after the manner of Americans, scarcely logical. Ano- 
ther would have the version amended, but desired the 
cooperation of all religious denominations in the work 
(Rev. Mr. Woolsey). A pleasing figment of the imagi- 
nation. Another would have it postponed till all sects 
agreed to practise immersion (Editor of Tennessee Bap- 
tist). A truly indefinite postponement. Another 
' looked upon the enterprise as Quixotic ; as the scheme 
of a few radical men intoxicated by the dignities of 
office (Christian Chronicle, April 3, 1850). A benevo- 
lent view of the subject. Another opposed revision 
because Baptize was the only important word, and 
everybody understood it already (N. Y. Recorder, April 
10th, 1850). These were a few of the strong reasons 
against the movement." 

The weight they had with Mr. Cone, his subsequent 
course clearly showed. That they failed to convince 
the denomination, the ardent support he received, and 
the earnest and thorough men who rallied to his aid, 
and that of the " Bible Union " evinced with equal 
clearness. After having been, however, for thirteen 
years its president, and devoting himself with unexam- 
pled ardor to its service, his connection with the Ameri- 
can and Foreign Bible Society terminated under the 
circumstances we have related. 



X7 



386 LIFE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTON CONE. 



CHAPTEE XXI. 

THE AMERICAN BIBLE UNION. 

In the language of Dr. Baker : 

" Dr. Cone could not see a mountain before him that 
might not become a plain. To his eye of faith there was 
no formidable impediment to obstruct the progress of 
pure versions of the Word of God. He felt that the 
principle for which he contended, must ultimately tri- 
umph. Let who would oppose, he could say, ' My mind 
is steadfast and immovable. I have said, in my own 
pulpit, and say again, that I am as thoroughly convinced 
that God has called me to aid in procuring and circula- 
ting faithful versions of the Bible in all languages, as 
that he ever called me to preach the Gospel ; and I am 
willing to die at the stake, as Tyndale did, if I may be 
instrumental in giving to my own countrymen a correct 
version of the Bible ' ''—First Annual Report of Bille 
Union, 1850. 

He could say to the American and Foreign Bible 
Society, " I believe my work is done in this society. I 
am crushed." But he could say, at the same time, 
" that the Lord had a work for him to do, which he 
was not permitted to do in that society." 

As the American and Foreign Bible Society could 
not now be relied on for a faithful version of the English 
Scriptures, the celebrated prayer-meeting was held at 
the house of Deacon "William Colgate, ISTo. 128 Chambers 
street, New York, on Monday, May 27th, 1850. It will 
be seen he did not permit much time to elapse. The 



LIFE OF SPEIfCEE HOFGHTON CONE, 387 

American and Foreign Bible Society abandoned the 
field on the 22d, and on the 27th he was preparing the 
skeleton of a new army. 

At the meeting at Deacon Colgate's, many kindred 
spirits were present, and united with Dr. Cone in a sol- 
emn pledge to undertake the work of " procuring and 
circulating the most faithful versions of the sacred 
Scriptures in all languages." They held an adjourned 
meeting on the 31st of May, and on the 10th of June, 
1850, a regular public meeting was held at the Baptist 
Tabernacle in Mulberry street, the result of which was 
the formation of the American Bible ITnion, with Dr. 
Cone as President. 

Whether the American and Foreign Bible Society 
was formed to give the worid a better version of the 
sacred Scriptures in the English language, or not. Dr. 
Cone, and the other founders of this Society, determined 
that there should be no mistake as to the specific object 
for which the « Bible Union" was formed. They in- 
scribed their object on their fla^, and hung it out to the 
view of mankind. " Its object," says the second article 
of Its constitution, " shall be to procure and circulate the 
most faithful versions of the sacred Scriptures in all 
languages throughout the world:'' 

On taking the chair, when elected president of this 
society, at its organization, he said : 

"I am very much obliged to you, brethren, for this 
mark of your esteem and confidence, and I accept it 
with thankfulness. By the Providence of God I am 
placed in a position from which I cannot recede, until it 
shall please my God to remove me from time into eter- 
nity ! There is nothing in me that says go back ! Oh, that 
we could but hear that voice which spoke to the trem- 
bling Israelites, when the waters of the Eed Sea rose up 
in either hand as living walls, bidding them go forward 



388 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOISr CONE. 

and not fear ! Would that the same spirit might lead 
us now !" 

" To make the translations of God's holy book, utter 
the same clear, distinct, unequivocal voice in all langua- 
ges, has been no sudden or precipitate movement ; it 
has been my cherished purpose for many years ; I would 
never have lifted up my finger to form the American 
and Foreign Bible society upon any other principle ; 
and when the Society, at its late anniversary, virtually 
resolved to stereotype and perpetuate the errors and 
obscurities of King James's version, it was evident that 
it could never accomplish the glorious mission for which 
I had supposed it had been organized, and therefore, 
promptly to resign the office of president became a duty 
as plain as it was imperative" — Reported in the New 
York Tribune^ June Wtli^ 1850. 

" In a letter to Dr. Dagg, of Georgia, dated June 18th, 
1850, he says, " We organized the American Bible 
Union, the 10th instant, upon the basis of the annexed 
constitution, and in the evening raised in cash and good 
subscriptions, above six thousand dollars^ for the objects 
of the institution. The meeting was large and enthu- 
siastic, and I think the Lord, by His spirit, was in our 
midst. 

" I have taken this stand in the sixty-sixth year of my 
age, because I wish to see the work of the English Bible 
at least commenced before I die, and because I thought 
the resolution of the American and Foreign Bible 
Society, at its late anniversary, to confine themselves to 
the issue of the commonly received version, inconsistent 
with the fundamental principle of the institution." 

On the 25th of July, 1850, he also writes to him from 
Lake Mahopac, Putnam Co., New York : " For two or 
three months, I have with difficulty occupied my pulpit 
statedly, and now for a few weeks of July and August, 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 389 

shall seek for strength and reinvigoration of body and 
mind among the lakes and mountains of this romantic 
region. The end will be as the Lord pleases. 

"I have been grieved and surprised at the result of 
the last anniversary of the American and Foreign Bible 
Society, but the misrepresentations, envy, and election- 
eering tricks by which that result was secured, are the 
chief ingredients of my sorrow. But if this is the way 
by which we may be the better prepared to carry out 
the great principle of Bible Translation^ I desire to feel 
and say, the will of the Lord be done. Take the trouble 
to read Bro. Colgate's questions, and although they were 
treated with silent contempt by Drs. Ide, Dowling, 
Kingsford, Hague, &c., yet it seems to me that a deacon 
who has devoted forty years^ and to my knoweledge has 
given more than forty thousand dollars to carry 
forward the missionary, educational, and Bible opera- 
tions of our denomination, and is withal a modest 
and retiring man, deserves to have questions of moment, 
upon which he has been pondering for years, plainly 
and candidly answered by his learned clerical brethren. 
The proscription of William Colgate for holding a true 
Baptist sentiment, and his ejection from the office 
of treasurer, would have prevented my serving in 
any office of the American and Foreign Bible Society — 
had there been no other obstacle in the way. 

But we must work while it is day, 
'Tho' earth and hell obstruct the way. 

"I mean to unite Worth and South in Bible work 
as much as I can, and I want your help. We began 
together preaching the same Gospel, and still hold 
fast to the form of sound words. Let us end together, 
striving for the same things, and by God's grace, we 



890 LIFE OF 6PENCER HOUGHTON COISTE. 

shall soon meet in a happy country, where there is 
but one language^ witliont obscurity or imperfection. 

'' Your reason for retaining iaptize is not good. The 
same reason would retain pasche, azymes, tunicke, holo- 
caust, &c. Baptize does not mean to immerse, except to 
Baptists. What though we understand it, have we no 
responsibility as Christ's witnesses to make others nnder- 
stand it? If it is our duty to preach 'immersion,' it is 
obviously our duty to print immersion, and if it is not 
immersion in the Bible, we have no right to preach or 
print it anywhere else^ as a part of God's revealed will. 
'To the Law and to the Testimony: if they speak not 
according to this Word, it is because there is no light in 
them.' — Isa. viii. 20. This used to be a good quotation 
in Virginia — you remember! Has it lost any of its 
virtue ? I go for iinmersionist versions in all languages 
unifocal, K it was wrong not to translate hajptizo two 
hundred and fifty years ago, it will be right to do it as 
soon as we can. K I am wrong in this, may the God of 
the Bible, in tender mercy, set me right." 

In his address at the second anniversary of the Amer- 
ican Bible Union, he said, " With all the disposition to 
peace and qniet, which the great Teacher inculcated 
and exemplified. He never gave the slightest counte- 
nance to error; nor can we, as his disciples, lend our 
sanction to the principle or policy of disseminating as 
His Word, aught but the most faithful representation 
of the inspired original that can be procured. To circu- 
late as true, what we know to be erroneous or defective, 
would be contrary to our character as honest men, and 
in direct opposition to our duty as professing Christians. 
But the attempt to maintain the principle of pure 
versions in all languages, the English not excepted, has 
subjected us to obloquy and reproach, even from many 
who once professed to be our warmest and best friends. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 391 

Is it not astonishing tliat the desire ' to correct errors 
and remove obscnrities,' from the commonly received 
version, shonld expose men to persecution from their 
own brethren, to opposition the most violent, unrelent- 
ing, and uncompromising? That the strongest bonds of 
personal friendship should be dissolved in consequence? 
That even church relations, and pastoral connections 
should be threatened, if we declare ourselves in favor 
of allowing every man to know just what God has said? 
Yet, however astonishing, such has been the afflictive 
experience of your presiding officer. He has dared to say 
from this pulpit, again and again, that Christian baptism 
is immersion only , that if right to preach it, it is right 
to print it; to print it in the Bible ', for if it is not 
In the Bible, we have no right to preach or print it as a 
part of God's revealed will to man. For preaching 
these 'principles and projects of the American Bible 
Union,' as they are called, he has been denounced in a 
printed 'Statement,' as having 'departed from his duty,' 
and it is of the Lord's mercies alone, that he has 
not been driven from these walls of Zion." 

In answer to some objections which had been raised, 
he continues, " One of the most specious arguments that 
has been advanced against the correction of the common 
version, is, that thereby we must forfeit the name of 
Baptists. The words relating to the ordinance must 
necessarily be translated, and because the common 
people will learn that it is the duty of believers to be 
immersed, therefore, the term Baptist^ will cease to be 
the appellation of those who follow their Lord. They 
will be called Irnmersionists. This is not a necessary 
consequence. Episcopalians are not called Bishopites^ 
nor Presbyterians Elderists^ although Episcopos is trans- 
lated Bishop, and Presbuteros Elder. These denomina- 
tions take their name from the Greek, and Baptists 



392 LIFE OF SPENCER HOTJGHTON CONE. 

might continue to do the same, if they choose. But is 
it possible a Christian man can suppose there is any 
weight in such an argument against the translation of 
God's truth? What if all denominations, by such a 
measure, should lose their distinctive human titles, or 
have them changed — what evil would ensue ? These 
distinctions will probably not obtain during the Millen- 
nium ; certainly they will not in Heaven. It must, 
therefore, be of little consequence what we are called 
on earth. The great thing is to follow Christ ; to be 
His disciples in deed and in truth ; to believe what God 
says, and practise what God commands. To do this we 
must Ttnow what He commands. Does He command 
believers in Christ to be immersed in His name? 
Where is the diflPerence in criminality between preach- 
ing and printing it? If the latter be wrong, the former 
cannot be right. A most strange and anomalous condi- 
tion of things exists at present. Go where you will, and 
you may hear Pedo-Baptists talking about the impiety 
of our attempting to correct the Bible, Their minds 
are filled with prejudice and misconception about our 
imdertaking ; and their erroneous ideas upon the subject, 
alas! may be traced to Baptists! Who have raised 
the hue and cry, that it is sacrilege to ' correct errors 
and remove obscurities ' from the translation of God's 
Word ? Baptists ! Who have endeavored to prove 
that haptize is not properly translated by Immerse? 
Baptists ! Who have raised the shout, ' Our craft is in 
danger ;' the translation of the words relating to bap- 
tism, will endanger the denomination ? Baptists ! 
Who have reproached and vilified their brethren for 
wishing to give the plain and unadulterated truth of 
God to the common people ? Baptists ! Melancholy, 
mortifying facts ! The people who have least reason to 
fear the truth, oppose its printing. Baptists, ^who 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 393 

cleave to the simple and determinate language of Holy 
writ ;' who in every age, and in every clime steadfastly 
maintained that the text of Scripture is the only infal- 
lible authority in all matters both of faith and of prac- 
tice ! How strange — how inexplicable that any who 
wear this name should be afraid or ashamed to print 
what they believe and preach. 

"We might pursue this subject, and inquire who has 
endeavored to prove that the versions of our missionaries, 
the translations of the Sacred writings, made by Carey, 
and Yates, and Judson, are 'sectarian?' A Baptist. 
And who combined to print the slander and scatter it 
by thousands over this land? Baptists, Well may 
Pedo-Baptists now lay aside their armor, and watch 
with complacency the progress of events. They have 
no more need to fight, while Baptists take King James's 
sword in their defence; and as far as recklessness of 
attack and fierceness of invective are concerned, they 
certainly surpass those for whose ' Infant Sprinkling ' 
they are indirectly but most powerfully contending. 
The common version is exclusively Episcopalian. It 
was prepared by the direction of an Episcopal king; 
by Episcopalian scholars, and not one of any other 
denomination was permitted to meddle with it. It was 
designed, as its preface teaches us ' for the benefit of 
the Church of England.' Who, then, have fulminated 
the thunders of censure and rebuke against its correc- 
tion ? Have Episcopalians ? No. They have been well 
content to be quiet, and leave their cause to Baptist pens 
and Baptist tongues. Bishop and Easter please them 
well, and if Baptize can only be kept untranslated, it 
may mean sprinMe^ or pour^ or christen^ or anything 
else that men may fancy ; ' and so they wrap it up.' 

" But some say we are not the men, and this is not the 
time. Tl\iQ principle that the Bible ought to be trans- 
it* 



394 LIFE OF SPENCEE HOrGHTON CONE. 

lated in all lands is generally admitted ; that the com- 
mon English version needs correction the ignorant only 
can deny ; and we hear of many who are willing to 
co-operate, as soon as ''all Christendom shall unite in 
the work.' If we understand this loud and oft vocife- 
rated cry, it means, that as soon as those who hold 
' Infant Sprinkling,' shall agree with those who believe 
it to be ' Part and Pillar of Popery,' then will be the 
time to correct King James's version ; for sprinklers and 
immersionists will cordially unite in the enterprise. 
This sentiment is so absurd, so impracticable, that to 
name it is to refute it ; and as to the men, why, that is 
the very thing about which the Bible Union is anxiously, 
industriously, and prayerfully inquiring. We are look- 
ing after learned men, good brethren and true ; having 
neither the "fear of man," nor of Pedo-Baptism before 
their eyes ; who will do their work, in " the fear of the 
Lord ; and we trust in God, that in the use of appointed 
means, the men will in due season be found.' " 

In his address, in 1854, he said : 

" On this platform we stand — the truth, the whole 
truth, and nothing but the truth — the tkuth of God for 
THE WORLD ! Here we stand, and here we hope to stand 
while life remains. 

" We will be free ; free to speak or write, to preach or 
print — yea, to circulate in all lands, as far and as fast as 
we can, the Bible as God gave it. 

" I was born and bred a freeman, and am too old now 
to learn the language, or wear the fetters of bondage. 
Yea, more, I trust I am one of Christ's freemen, and 
the children of the kingdom should not become subject 
to human tradition. 

"There is no sacredness in a translation, except just 
so far as it develops the features of divine truth. All 
else is refuse, and should be removed. Shall we hesi- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 395 

tate to filter and clarify the water we drink, because 
past generations have partaken of its impurities ?" 

"It cheered his heart to see the society he loved 
placed in an invulnerable position. It gave him holy 
joy to witness the zealous and efficient co-operation of 
such a host of friends, and to see that the work of 
'' revision had taken so tenacious a hold upon the minds 
of his brethren in Christ." 

" He entered upon the revision of the English Scrip- 
tures with clear views of the great importance of the 
work. As he pressed forward, however, in the cause, 
light increased upon his path, his horizon expanded, 
and the claims of duty became more and more impera 
tive. 

" If the opponents of revision had seen Dr. Cone, and 
the little band of kindred spirits, in Deacon Colgate's 
parlor, uniting in a solemn pledge to undertake the 
work of 'procuring and circulating the most faithful 
versions of the Sacred Scriptures in all languages,' they 
might have been tempted to say ' "What do these feeble 
Jews? Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he 
shall even break down their stone wall,' Neh. iv. 34. 
But they could soon reply, ' Who hath despised the day 
of small things? Behold how great a matter a little 
fire kindleth.' " — Dr. Baker. 

The spirit which animated that little band, and the 
infiuence of which has made itself felt in less than five 
years throughout Christendom, may be learned from 
Kev. T. Armitage's account of the meeting : 

"The exciting and unfortunate anniversary of 1850 
was over, and the brethren had returned to their homes, 
but they left the churches enveloped in the pillar of 
cloud, without one mitigating ray from the pillar of 
fire. When the day arrived, those who had been 



396 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

invited to that conference, in a drenching rain, wended 
tlieir way from the different points in these three cities 
(New York, Brooklyn, and Williamsburg), to the place 
of meeting. I never went to a meeting in my life with 
a heavier heart. The Ark of God was removed, and 
my heart trembled for it. Truth seemed to have fallen 
in the streets, and no triumphant assurance said, ' tho' 
I fall, yet shall I rise again.' We met, but oh ! how we 
felt. The moment the eye of the more youthful pastors 
met the eye of the aged, each countenance seemed to 
ask, 'What shall we do?' The moment one layman 
took the hand of another, the quivering lip interrogated, 
' What does God require ?' The meeting was called to 
order, and prayer to the Lord God of Sabaoth proposed. 
Deacon Colgate, as the oldest in the company, was 
called upon to address the throne of Grace. We knelt 
down. And if I were in that room I could point to the 
very spot on which I bowed. I can never forget it 
w^hile I live. All was silent. The venerable man of 
God was too much overcome even to lead in devotion, 
but his emotion found vent in sobs and tears. And 
there the whole company knelt, weeping for several 
minutes, in solemn silence, before God, save as, now 
and then, some struggling sigh was heard. When he 
was able to offer vocal prayer, he asked God to direct 
us aright ; if it were our duty to form another society, 
to give us a clear sense of duty, and to open ?>ur way ; 
but if not, to permit confusion and hesitancy, and to 
throw a hedge about us on every side, with much more 
of earnest supplication. 

" After prayer, a long time was spent in free confer- 
ence as to our duty, and it was unanimously resolved, 
that but one path was before us. That path was 
taken. 



LIFE OF SPENCEIS HOUGHTON CONE. 



39T 



It is right that the names of those who, in the darkest 
hour, rallied lovingly and fearlessly aronnd the stand- 
ard of God's unadulterated truth, and strengthened with 
their sympathy, their prayers, their actions, the unfal- 
tering standard-bearer, who never loosed his grasp 
upon its staff until death struck him down on a victori- 
ous battle-field ; it is just that their names should be 
winned with his whilst memory holds her seat. 

"Their names and memories will be fondly cherished 
in the ages to come, and associated with all the tri- 
umphs of God's pure word over the errors of man. 
They were — 



Stephe:n' REMiNaTOKT, 
Heman J. Eddy, 
Thomas Aemitage, 
John Riohaedson, 
William Colgate, 
Samuel R. Kelly, 
John B. "Wells, 
E. S. Whitney, 



William D. Muephy, 
James H. Townsend, 
Sylyestee Piee, ' 
James B. Colgate, 
William S. Clapp, 
Oeein B." Jijdd, 
A. C. Wheat, 
William H. Wyokoff. 



Alex. McDonald, 
Geoege W. Abbe, 
James Faequaeson. 
Edwaed Gilbeet, 
Heney p. See, 
Lewis Bedell, 
James Edmonds, 



(JDr, Elon OalusJia^s Address^ 1853.) 



In considering the question of " revision," as con- 
nected with Mr. Cone, nothing strikes us with such 
entire surprise as the storm of abuse which assailed him 
on account of it. Had that abuse come from anti-Bap- 
tists, from men, some pillar of whose creed was threat- 
ened by 'the '^ removal of errors and obscurities " from 
the commonly received English version, it would have 
been but little surprising. We might have wondered 
how any men, claiming to be Christians, could so far 
forget what was due to propriety as to invoke harsh 
invective, and unfeeling sarcasm to aid them. We 
might not have been surprised to hear it from English 
press or pulpit ; but that Americans and Baptists — that 
men who claimed " one faith, one Lord, one baptism " 



398 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOIsr CONE. 

with him — that men for every interest of whose religions 
lives he had toiled so long and faithfully, and who, if 
they believed what they preached, were " Immersion- 
ists " because they dare not be anything else—^that men, 
every one of whom had preached and written, from the 
time of their immersion, about the " errors and obscuri- 
ties " he proposed to remove — that they should oppose, 
traduce, and persecute him, is a thing scarcely to be 
credited. But they did. Why ? Ah ! that is beyond 
the reach either of our philosophy or information to 
answer. The melancholy and mortifying fact stands 
upon the record in naked ugliness. He found no fault 
with any man. Baptist or Pedo-Baptist, for entertaining 
a different opinion on the subject from the one he advo- 
cated. He might be surprised at it, but had no right 
to find fault. The right of private judgment is sacred. 
He respected the honest convictions of his brethren. 
He found no fault with such as obeyed their convic- 
tions. One of the men he loved best. Dr. Dagg, dis- 
agreed with him ; but he disagreed like a brother and a 
Cliristian, and he loved him just as dearly as ever, and 
loved him to the end. 

After ages, if they read his story, will view with won- 
der the spectacle that part of it presents. They will see 
a Baptist loaded with every epithet of vituperation, and 

assailed by every artifice of malice for what ? For 

defending the faith once delivered to the saints. For 
holding fast the doctrines and ordinances of the Lord, 
blameless. For saying in ISTew York, when the snows 
of age whitened on his head, the same thing he said at 
the first Virginian Association, in the earliest flush of 
holy zeal, in the fruitful summer of his manhood, 

'*rm not ashamed to own my Lord, 
Nor to defend his cause !'* 



LIFE OF SPEKCER HOUGHTON CONE. 399 

For asserting that Baptism was immersion, and that if 
it was right to preach it, it was right io print it, to print 
it in the BihleP Was it not passing strange ? Will not 
the wonder of the future be tinged with doubt ? Will it 
not say, these things have been feigned to lend a height- 
ened color, an added lustre to his bold inflexibility in 
the cause of truth ? Will it, at such a distance, be able 
to discern the cause within a cause, and see that envy 
of the man had its share in begetting opposition to the 
principle, or where that was not, that the syren charms 
of expediency, lured and made shipwreck of the truth, 
upon the shore of inconsistency and human inventions? 
Scarcely : for " expediency " has never been a Baptist 
doctrine. It will be very hard, indeed, for the future 
to understand, since the present even begins to doubt, 
and other voices than those of " Bible Unionists " are 
demanding a revision of the English Scriptures. 

We find nowhere so apt a description of the class, 
whose burst of indignation and rage, against Spencer 
II. Cone, and his design to remove from the English 
Bible " its errors and obscurities," disturbed the quiet 
of almost every Baptist church in the United States, as 
in John Milton's glorious "speech for the liberty of 
unlicensed printing." 

''There be, who perpetually complain of schisms and 
sects, and make it such a calamity that any man dissents 
from their maxims. It is their own pride and ignorance 
which cause the disturbing, who neither will hear with 
meekness, nor can convince, yet all must be suppressed 
which is not found in their syntagma. They are the 
troublers, they are the dividers of unity, who neglect, 
and permit not others, to unite those dissevered pieces 
which are yet wanting to the body of truth. To be still 
searching what we know not, by what we know, still 
closing ^p truth to truth as we find it, (for all her body 



400 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

is homogeneal and proportional,) this is the golden rule 
in Theology as well as in Arithmetic !" 

But beyond the astonishment of the thing, that it 
should happen among Baptists, is the wonder, that it 
should happen in America, the land of Baptists, the land 
of free thought. Whilst England and English Baptists 
almost everywhere received the news gladly, his own 
brethren, those of his own nation and household, were 
scanted in the expression of their indignation, at the 
awful design of " revising " King James' version, by 
nothing but the poverty of the Engmh language in 
passionate phrase. 

And yet at the very time when the storm w^as at its 
loudest in America, English Baptists were saying to 
him " well done !" Their hearts and hands were with 
him the instant he struck the blow, " to save free con- 
science from the paw of the Presbyterian and Episcopa- 
lian wolf." To the Baptists of America, was reserved 
the strange inconsistency of preaching, and practising 
what they dared not print. 

Passing beyond the Baptists of England, it has struck 
the common sense and intelligence of the people 
without reference to sect. "In the British house of 
Commons recently, Mr Hey wood, the member for Lan- 
cashire, gave notice that he should, at the next session, 
move an address to her majesty, praying that her 
majesty will be graciously pleased to appoint a commis- 
sion to inquire into the state of the authorized version 
of the Bible, and to prepare a plan for the further 
revision of that translation !" 

Who is Mr. Heywood, the honorable member for 
Lancashire? Is he Episcopalian, or dissenter; who or 
what is he ? Clearly the men of Lancashire, his consti- 
tuents, have began to lose their superstitious reverence 
for the ^' commonly received version " and believe a 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 401 

better may be made. Clearly enougb the mind of Eng- 
land is aroused to the necessity of the work. But where 
is the cry of horror, from American Baptist men, over 
Mr. Hey wood and the iniquity of his proposition? Why 
was Spencer Houghton Cone accused of being a des- 
troyer of all that was stable in language, or reverend 
in faith, for proposing a revision on this side of the At- 
lantic? 

And if " our Sovereign Lady Yictoria," yield to the 
solicitation of the member from Lancashire and the 
English people, will the "gracious pleasure" of an 
English queen anoint with the magic oil of kingcraft 
the wits of her revisers to the height of infallibility, and 
make the act holy in them, which in republican Ameri- 
cans came little short of being stigmatized as a sugges- 
tion of the evil one ? 

In the " Edinburgh Review " for October, 1855, we find 
an able article urging the necessity of an immediate 
revision of the English Scriptures. It attacks without 
stint the errors of the received version, and yet it seems 
not to have drawn down upon either writer or review 
any exhibition of indignant horror ; and, indeed, it is 
doubtlul whether the article cost the " great Quarterly " 
a single subscriber. 

The writer says, " that it is universally agreed among 
Protestants of all denominations, that the Bible is their 
one great, paramount, religious authority ; that they re- 
pudiate all traditional law, and human teaching; and that 
every man depending on his own judgment, and avail- 
ing himself of his right to use it, looks to the Sacred 
Scriptures, and to the Sacred Scriptures alone, for 
the spiritual light which should inform his faith and 
direct his conduct. Such is the theory ; iut it is 
little more than a theory. If Christians acted upon it 
honestly and more freely than they do,, they would in 



402 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

all probability find their differences diminish, and their 
charity increase. But the fact is, that the right of pri- 
vate judgment in religion is a principle more vaunted 
than exercised." 

We shall make but a single quotation further from 
this article. It has been reprinted in this country, and 
very widely circulated ; and, indeed, its arguments had 
been presented fully and strongly long before, by the 
friends of revision. The objection that it is irreverent to 
touch the present version, is thus treated by the reviewer. 

" But there is another, a more general and plausible 
objection to the alteration of our common version: — it 
ought not to be touched, because it has, for centuries, 
been held in reverence by the people. We admit the 
fact. It has obtained, and .most deservedly so, the deep 
and affectionate reverence of our Protestant population; 
but how is that any objection against its being rendered 
more worthy of the deep and affectionate reverence 
with which they regard it ? If their reverence extend 
beyond the respect that is due to the mosf accurate and 
complete translation of the inspired writings, which on 
the whole, has ever been submitted to the contemplation 
of the unlearned disciples of the Gospel ; if their rever- 
ence attaches to its admitted errors and deficiencies — • 
such a feeling is not pious, but superstitious ; and it 
ought not for a moment to be deferred to as an 
impediment in the way of so great a blessing as an 
improved edition of the sacred volume. It classes, as 
an instance of ignorance and folly, with the popish 
priest's obstinate adherence to his old Mimipsimus^ 
which has been a jest amongst Protestants ever since 
the first dawn of the Peformation. They who would 
resist the elimination of the palpable mistakes, and the 
acknowledged imperfections of our English Bible, from 
an apprehension of offending the religious prejudices of 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 403 

the people, are gnilty of a ploiis fraud, which though of 
a lighter shade of guilt, ranks in the same vicious cate- 
gorj^ with the practice of the Romanist, who lends his 
support to the perpetuation of a belief in jfictitious 
relics, or endeavors to sustain the taith of his flock 
by the contrivance of a fraudulent miracle. In dealing 
with a book, of which divine truth is the argument, 
nothing ought to be regarded, but the means of render- 
ing it the most distinct and perfect reflection of that 
truth ; and if our present translation do not aff*ord such 
a distinct and perfect reflection, it ought to be subjected 
to a course of continuous and careful revision, till it 
shall. ^ , ^ ^ Whatever course our ecclesiastical 
authorities may pursue, they may depend upon it, that 
the Bible will not long be allowed to remain in its 
present mutilated and unsatisfactory condition. What- 
ever the public demand vnll in some shape he supplied,'^^ 
On this point of superstitious regard, so forcibly put 
by the reviewer, we find a very striking illustration in a 
sermon delivered in 1852, by Rev. R. H. JSTeale, of Bos- 
ton, before the governor and legislature of Massachusetts. 
At page ten of the sermon, he says, " It is recorded 
of the Alexandrian fathers, that in their honest inten- 
tion to develop the true sense of Scripture, they inserted 
a punctuation mark after Iv^ in the 3d verse of 1st chap, 
of the Gospel of John. The conscientious Chrysostom 
was greatly alarmed at this proceeding, and denounced 
it as rank heresy. Epiphanius, still more zealous, 
declared it an act of blasphemy and a sin against the 
Holy Ghost. Excitement rose high m the theological 
world. Wise heads combined to stay the spreading evil. 
And thus, on account of a single dot, the perilous work 
of punctuating the inspired volume was delayed for 
years." K this is the view given of those who opposed 
-what they deemed an unjustifiable meddling with the 



404: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

sacred text^ we hardly know how Dr. Neale would 
write of those who opposed the removal of known errors 
from a translation * who caused "excitement to rise so 
high in the theological world " of Baptists ; and so 
many of whose " wise heads combined to stay the 
spreading evil." 

In its issue of January ITth, 1856, The "Christian 
Intelligencer," one of the oldest and ablest journals 
in America, and an organ of the Dutch Reformed 
Church, speaking of the writer of the review above 
quoted, says, " He shows conclusively, we think, that it 
(revision of common English version) is demanded by 
every consideration of truth and duty." Strong testi- 
mony, surely, as to the character of the English wit- 
ness. 

In the Lower House of Convocation (Church of 
England) Canon Selwyn has given notice of a motion 
" to propose a petition to the Upper House, requesting 
his grace and their lordships, to take into their consid- 
eration the subject of an address to the crown, praying 
that Her Most Gracious Majesty may be pleased to 
appoint a body of learned men, well-skilled in the orig- 
inal language of the Holy Scriptures, to consider on 
such amendments of the authorized version as have 
been already proposed, and to receive suggestions from 
all persons who may be willing to offer them ; to com- 
municate with foreign scholars on difficult passages 
when it may be deemed advisable ; to examine the 
marginal readings which appear to have been introduc- 
ed into some editions, since the year 1611 ; to point out 
such words and phrases as have either changed their 
meaning, or become obsolete in the lapse of time." 

Of all the objections brought against the Bible Union, 
that of sectarianism seemed to Mr. Cone the strangest. 
And yet it was one most frequently urged, and indeed, 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOrGHTON CONE. 405 

coming from the highest Baptist quarters, had met him 
at every step of his course, from the first public expres- 
sion of his sentiment in favor of pure versions, at Salem 
in 1833, down to the close of his life. 

He urged in his addresses that the Bible — the Word of 

God — was The Truth; that The Truth could not be 

sectarian ; how then could a society whose fundamental 

and controlling principle was. The pure Word of God 

for all the worlds be properly charged with sectarianism ? 

Other Bible societies have hedged about their trans- 
lators with constitutional barriers of sects, creeds, and 
" received versions," allowing them to " consult God no 
further than sectarian influence would permit ; making 
sectarian tenets the test and limit of the perfection of 
their versions." — Hev, D. H, Campbell^ Ky. 

The Bible Union is founded on the simple principle 
of "The Bible faithfully translated for all the world," 
and its grand direction to all the translators employed is 
'^ give the exact meaning of the inspired text." 

How then other Bible societies could be catholic, and 
the Bible Union sectarian, was to him both a logical 
and a religious puzzle. 

Elder Isaac Erret, of Warren, Ohio, in an address 
before the Bible Union, in 1856, adverting to this objec- 
tion, says very forcibly and eloquently : 

''The work of the American Bible Union is, in the 
true sense of the word, catholic. That is to say, it is 
not sectarian. It demands the faithful translation of 
the Scriptures of truth on no low party plea. It asks it, 
irrespective of partisan interests or aims. It says, if the 
party cannot be sustained by the pure Word of God, let 
the party perish. Every man coming into this movement 
says, I recognize its claims as superior to party interests. 
If my party, in any of its peculiarities, cannot be sustain- 
.ed by the pure Word of God, let those peculiarities be 



406 LIFE OF SPENCER HOrGHTON CONE. 

given to the winds, like the chaff of the summer thresh- 
ing-floor. ' What is the chaff to the wheat V If any 
other party can find countenance in a faithful transla- 
tion for anything which I have disapproved, so let it 
be ; I will not be found fighting against God. In this 
point of view, the Bible Union movement is a most 
noble triumph over selfish and party aims and inspira- 
tions. It knows no party. It is determined to know 
none. The impulse it will give in the direction of a 
catholic spirit, and catholic Christian enterprise, cannot 
be estimated either in force or value. Often do I thank 
God for this precious development of the true catholic 
spirit, and pray that it may never be grieved away by 
sectarian strife, or disturbed by a single discord. 
Sectarianism is the bane of modern Christian enter- 

" Is it too much to hope that the American Bible 
Union, advocating the pure Word of God in faithful 
translations, though it seems like a very feeble instru- 
mentality, may, by gentleness and perseverance, prevail 
against a thousand discordant tongues, and gather round . 
it steadily the sympathies, and prayers, and lives of 
those who fear God, until all the harsh and grating 
sounds of sectarian strife shall be drowned in the rich, 
full, swelling harmonies and melodies of the united 
children of God? Surely, if this may be, earth has 
never yet heard so glad a song; heaven has not yet 
been addressed in. strains so triumphaat as shall then go 
up from the one body. It will be like Milton's ' seven- 
fold chorus of hallelujahs and harping symphonies." 
May God hasten it in His time." 

So too. Dr. Conant, of Rochester University, speaking 
of the fear that their peculiar religious tenets would 
give color to the work of revisers says, "The apprehen- 
sion that the peculiar theological views of the revisers 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 407 

would appear in the revision was groundless. Biblical 
interpretation was one thing, and translation was another. 
* * "^ Should a translator color his revision by his 
theological views, the philologist will find him out. De- 
pend upon it, the work of this Union is so guarded by its 
congress of living scholars, by the light from the past 
shed upon their labor, and by the ordeal of criticism to 
which it must be subjected, that we are confident it will 
attain to the nearest possible approach to perfection." 
In the same address, Dr. Conant said, '^In all enterprises 
of this kind, tJie common people take the lead^ the learned 
always followP Coming from the source it did, this 
sentiment made a strong impression on us, and we could 
not refrain from quoting it here, thus abruptly and dis- 
connectedly. It is a beautiful illustration of the modesty 
of true learning, and it leads us naturally back to the 
subject of this memoir. He thoroughly understood and 
appreciated this great truth. His conduct was shaped 
by it steadily to the end ; and to the fact of his never 
for a moment, either forgetting or undervaluing it, 
much of his ability to aid so efliciently in the accom- 
plishment of the great objects for which he toiled, must, 
humanly speaking, be attributed. 

One of the ablest, perhaps the ablest, and certainly 
one of the honestest of those ministers of his own deno- 
mination who opposed all his plans for pure versions, is 
reported to have said, "I have opposed Spencer H. 
Cone twice, and each time I certainly thought I had the 
denomination with me, but somehow or other it has 
gone with him. I believe, after all, he knows the people 
better than I do." Speaking of some other traits of his 
character, and of the value of his services, Dr. Baker 
says : 

"For the prosperity that has attended the Bible 
revision enterprise, it has, under God, been largely 



408 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

indebted to Dr. Cone. From his native ability, gracious 
endowment, long experience, and rare efficiency, he 
was eminently qualified to be useful in such an enter- 
prise. This work secured for itself the warnlest fellow- 
ship of his generous heart, for while he possessed an 
intense affection for the Bible, his love w^as not a sujper- 
stitious regard for the defects or faults of a translation 
of God's Word. He desired that the mirror which 
reflected the face of his God and Savionr, should have a 
polished and speckless surface. As one of ' God's 
freemen,' he felt that he had a natural and inalienable 
right to worship God according to the dictates of his 
own conscience ; but he knew that conscience was not 
the rule of action, but the faculty of judging ourselves 
by a rule, and that this rule is the word of God. When 
he would settle the question, ' What is right ? he would 
ask ' what saith the Scriptures ?' He knew that to be 
prepared to do right we must first form a right judg- 
ment of the word itself, and that it was our duty to 
have our conscience first directed by the Scriptures, and 
then to have our lives guided by our conscience. 
Hence he felt it to be important to know what was truly 
' the word of God^ and all defects and errors of transla- 
tion he rejected as no part of that word. With him the 
simple question was, * What is the truth ?' and his 
motto, ^ Buy the truth and sell it not.' This ardent love 
to truth made him a revisionist, and called out all his 
energies in that holy work. 'He chose the right and 
adhered to it.' 

"The wide-spread influence of Dr. Cone, carried 
great weight with it into the revision enterprise. His 
name was a tower of strength to the Bible Union. In 
the great Missionary, Bible, and kindred enterprises, he 
had held many important trusts, and had always ful- 
filled his high responsibilities with uncommon energy 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON COJSTE. 409 

and fidelity. This tried fidelity inspired confidence, and 
secured co-operation in that work. 

"As his life was one of intense activity, he found time 
to consummate for the society a vast amount of labor. 
His executive ability was very great. He knew what 
ought to be done, and how to do it ; and he loved to 
work for the institution. All the great aims of his 
Christian life converged towards the objects contem- 
plated by it. During the last five years these objects 
I largely engrossed his attention. Seldom a day passed 
^ that he did not spend a part at the Bible rooms. He 
j originated its valuable library, and contributed most 
largely to its stock of recondite works. And he person- 
j ally secured many liberal contributions to the treasury. 
! His energies were so essentially interwoven with the 
"^society, that he seemed to be an essential portion of it. 

Of the high qualifications of Dr. Cone as a presiding 

' officer, it is not necessary for me to speak. ' 'No other 

. minister among us was so often called to preside over 

jthe deliberations of his brethren, and few men, in any 

circles, knew so well how to discharge the delicate and 

important trust of a presiding officer.' 

" In contending for the principles of pure versions in 
all languages, the English not excepted, he was called 
to endure obloquy and and reproach, even from many 
who once professed to be his warmest and best friends. 
He encountered opposition the most violent, unrelenting 
and uncompromising. He saw the strongest ties of 
friendship dissolved, and even his church relations and 
pastoral connections threatened, because of his adhesion 
to this principle. His warm and generous nature 
keenly felt such treatment from his brethren. Had he 
met opposition and reproach from an enemy, he could 
have borne it. But thus to be cut off from Christian 
fellowship, from brethren that he had loved, and to have 

18 



410 LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUaHTON CONE. 

to bear their reproaches, was to him an afflictive 
experience. 

" The fortitude of superior minds under unmerited 
reproach, does not result from hardihood of feeling ; that 
is the unenvied privilege of the leader of the mob, who 
addresses himself to the worst passions of our nature, 
because they are the most easily excited ; whose work is 
defamation, and who has no character of his own to lose. 
In a virtuous mind, fortitude under calumny and injus- 
tice is the result of principle, struggling against feelings 
which are acute and sensitive, and deeply seated in the 
soul. The struggle is always painful, and if in public, 
the consciousness of rectitude supports, and the brow is 
consequently tranquil and serene ; yet,' in secrecy, the 
power of feeling prevails, and the eye poureth forth tears 
unto God." 

" Dr. Cone felt deeply the opposition and persecution, 
to which he was exposed in the new version enterprise. 
He said — " My reputation is dear to me, to my wife and 
children, and I will defend them as long as I am able." 
But he was religiously inflexible alike through evil 
report, and through good report. His convictions of 
duty were intelligent and sincere, and he was prepared 
to carry them out in action, fearless of consequences. 
If the Bible question must be turned into one of per- 
sonal hostility, and waging " war to the knife," his reply 
was " my mind is steadfast and immovable, and I am 
willing to die at the stake as Tyndale died, if I may be 
instrumental in giving to my own countrymen a correct 
version of the Bible. '^^ 

Such is the testimony of those who knew him best ; 
of those whose minds, " enlightened from above," sym- 
pathized with the vast beneficence of the principle, of 
which he was the unfaltering champion. The ideas he 
sowed broadcast through the world for twenty years, 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOTJGHTOI^ COKE. 411 

are already springing up, and '' the seed time and the 
harvest " are nigh at hand.. England and America have 
already replied to his summons, and the voice " that 
was pom-ed on the free winds far," although silent now 
for ever upon earth, has found a thousand undying 
echoes to reiterate its demands, with a power that will 
not be denied. 

Yiew his course from what stand point we will, its 
resoluteness and consistency must be conceded at once. 

He commenced his public and determinate opposi- 
tion to the "errors and obscurities" of our present 
English version the moment the American Bible Society 
passed their uncatholic resolution of February 17th, 
1835. He avowed the principle then ; he never swerved 
from it afterwards. To carry it out he formed the 
American and Foreign Bible Society. That Society 
failed of its high mission. Age had found him and the 
work was not commenced, the night was at hand and 
the enemy yet held possession of the battle-field. He 
saw the columns of his people wavering and uncertain, 
or flying ignominiously from the field. Like the gal- 
lant Desaix, when he rode upon the field of Mar- 
engo, after that day of gigantic war, when the sun was 
dropping slowly down behind the mountains, and the 
wearied French were sullenly retiring before the Aus- 
trian charge, he exclaimed " the battle is lost, but there 
is day-light enough left to win another," and he founded 
the Bible Union. God spared him to do it. It was his 
work. His Master had set it to him to do. It was not 
written that the Lord's host should be defeated. 

In all the war, and it was a " war to the knife," 
amongst the many who stood by him, William H. 
"Wyckoff was one of the men whose "convictions of 
duty " were as intelligent as his own, and who never 
hesitated or failed him. They labored together from 
the first, and Mr. Cone relied upon him in eveiy emer- 



412 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

gency as a faithful friend, wise in counsel, patient in 
trial, and resolute in action. Their names appear so 
often together in the published history of the movement, 
and Mr. Wyckoff's character and services are so well 
known, that our testimony may appear superfluous. 
We, however, who know more intimately how much he 
did to comfort, support, and strengthen the leader 
whom he loved, and under whom he fought with so 
happy a bravery, cannot permit ourselves to fail in 
ofi*ering a just tribute to his affection for the raan^ and 
his loyalty to the jprinciple. In originating the move- 
ment for the revision of the English Scriptures^ and by 
the force of his character, the popularity of his name, 
the energy of his will, and the untiring devotion of his 
talents and his time, to placing the society, whose busi- 
ness it is to carry out and perfect the work, so far as 
human instrumentality may, by God's grace, achieve it 
■ — in a position of such influence and prosperity, as to 
insure its ultimate success, Spencer Houghton Cone 
performed an act which crowned, with her own eternal 
circlet, a life spent in the service and defence of truth ! 

Everyfliing conspires to show that the revision of the 
English Scriptures, and the " removal of their errors 
and obscurities " — that the enthronement in the hearts 
of Cliristians throughout England and America, of his 
principle of '' the Scriptures as God gave them — the 
truth of God for the world'^^ — is fixed so that it can 
never again be shaken. 

The result, thus far, has proved that Mr. Cone neither 
misunderstood the signs of the times, nor entered upon 
his work unadvisedly. Not only has the American 
Bible Union grown into a large national society, em- 
bracing its tens of thousands of life-members and sub- 
scribers for life-membership, and raising, in one year 
more than forty-five thousand dollars, but it numbers 
amongst its warmest friends and adherents infiuential 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 413 

members of every evangelical body, employs distin- 
guished scholars connected, with ten different denomina- 
tions, and exerts an inflneace that is felt throughout the 
religious public of England and America. From this 
influence cognate institutions have sprung up in both 
countries for the same object, the revision of the English 
Bible, and men of high positions in the British parlia- 
ment, the Church of England, and the Free Church of 
Scotland, are prosecuting the most vigorous means for 
engaging both Church and State in the enterprise. The 
principles and plans of the Bible Union have vindicated 
the wisdom of its founders, and have resulted in giving 
to the world portions of the word of God, so ably and 
faithfully translated as to warrant the belief that before 
long the English speaking nations will rejoice in the 
possession of the best version the language has ever 
boasted of. 

The following eloquent and Christian testimony to 
Mr. Cone's services in the cause of pure versions, is from 
the lips of Elder Isaac Erret : 

" From no field of toil and sacrifice could the Chris- 
tian of this age more earnestly desire to be carried to 
his reward than from this of endeavoring to give the 
Word of the Lord plain to the nations. My thoughts 
now linger around the tomb of a venerable and beloved 
man of God, who laid the foundations of this enterprise 
in tears and prayers, and daily watched it with fondest 
care and anxiety, and fearlessly faced the storm, and 
breasted the waves of opposition. I can conceive of no 
more fitting close to an earnest, laborious, and godly life 
than his. With what joy will he greet, in the world of 
light, the Wickliffes, and Tyndales, and Coverdales, and 
Rogerses, and the hosts of reformers and martyrs, who 
lived and died contending for the word of God ! He 
has gone from more peaceful scenes, and from a bloodless 



414 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE.. 

warfare ; yet, perhaps the faith which rejects the smile 
of worldly approbation, and the moral courage which 
breaks the dearest bonds of fellowship with friends and 
brethren, for the truth's sake, are scarcely less now than 
then. It will be blessed to be even the least in that 
throng of heroes, who nobly battled for the word of 
God, and to say in going up with them to cast one's 
crown at the feet of Jesus : ' I have not refrained my 
lips, O ! Lord, thou knowest.' It will be blessed for the 
feeblest and least of us all, if, when we stand before that 
judgment seat, where the Word of God will decide our 
eternal fate, it shall appear that in heart, and in life, in 
word and in deed, we have loved and honored that 
perfect law." 

Let who will carry out the work, whether her " gra- 
cious majesty " of England, by her commission to the 
learned doctors of her realm, or republican America, by 
means of faithful men, not the less learned or faithful 
because they lack the " image and superscription " of 
royalty upon their work ; let who will do it — his name 
will be twinned with it, and the millions who shall here- 
after rejoice in the triumph of truth and the confusion 
of error, will remember his name with reverence and 
affection, when the brilliance of the orator, and the love- 
liness of the man, shall be a misty and uncertain tradi- 
tion. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 415 



CHAPTER XXII. 

HIS CONDUCT TO YOUNG PEEACHEES— DIEECTI0N6— ADTICE 
-VIEWS OF CHEIBTIAN CHAEACTEE, FAITH AND PEAOTICE. 

His heart was always young. It was one of the 
most striking things about him. Neither mind Bor heart 
seemed ever to feel the chilling touch of age. To the 
last moment of his working life, a youthful vivacity and 
eagerness of sentiment, distinguished word and action, 
and both were the true reflex of the inner man. The 
human machine wore out with Intense physical and 
mental labor, the divine essence within worked as bright 
and bravely as ever, until the servant failed the master, 
until the main spring was fretted through, and every 
wheel stopped at an instant. Young in soul, he loved 
• the voung. Their eagerness and ardor were kindred 
with his own. Children loved him and played with 
Mm as if he had been one of themselves. He could find 
a minute to chat and romp with his grandchildren m 
his busiest hours, or have them play about him and do 
his work all the better for their noise and mischief. 

Especially, however, he loved the young, who, ser- 
ving their Creator in the days of their youth, felt caUed 
to preach the Gospel. Here duty hallowed what incli- 
nation prompted. To serve them was to serve the cause 
he lived for. To cultivate their inclination for a holy 
sacrifice of all that in them was to that cause, and labor 
to make it "full of growing," was to plant trees in the 
Lord's garden, the fruit whereof, like the tree of life 
should be for the healing of the nations. He beheved 



416 LITE OF SPENCEE HOFGHTOJST CONE. 

that the principles of Baptists were the hope of the world. 

The young preacher who stood beside him ardent in love 

and faith, and eager to spread those principles, was to 

to him a pledge of the future. In the fire of his eye, in 

the echo of his voice, he heard God promising that 

he would never leave himself without a witness among 

men. The warworn soldier, as his arm grew weak with 

smiting in the battle, hailed exultingly the accession of 

youthful strength and vigor, and girded up his loins and 

forgot his weariness. The moment they struck into the 

press beside him, and bared their breasts against the 

common foe, they were brothers of his heart, and 

his shield was ready to cover them, wounded, his sword 

busy to open for them, victorious, a wider pathway. 

One whom he loved, and who happily for himself can 
speak experimentally of these things, tells of this better 
than we can. We will not call the kind contribution 
of John Wesley Sarles a favor. He does not think it so. 
He lays it as a laurel upon the grave of his father in 
the Gospel, and his tears are yet warm upon its leaves. 

" I send," he says, " fourteen letters written by your • 
father. The re-reading of these letters has again brought 
fresh before me, more of his generous solicitude, and 
prayerful wise counselling, than I know how to express. 
With all his leading characteristics engraven on your 
heart, and mind, I have thought the reading of these 
letters alone might better supply that which you seek 
than any expression I could give. 

" I will simply add an unstudied sketch of my general 
impressions, which may possibly contain some thought 
or incident that you can use. When I remember his 
unwearied kindnes to me, and his constant care for me, 
it pains me that I did not in some more practical way 
than I did, seek to express to him my sense of indebted- 
ness. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 417 

" But I have no idea that he saw any failure in my 
appreciation, for if I do not greatly mistake, he was 
accustomed to forget most of the kindness he showed to 
anybody. He had no time, and not the slightest dispo- 
sition to make a record of such parts of his life. 

" He never acted as if he regarded me as his debtor. I 
think he really had no idea of the extent of my indebt- 
edness to him. Tlie kindness of his heart made him 
unconscious of the pains he had taken. And besides, 
from long habit, he quickly dismissed his own generous 
acts, with no desire to see them again, short of the 
judgment. I never saw in another as happy an exem- 
plification of what I suppose to be included in the ver- 
ses of Matthew, ' Then shall the righteous answer him, 
saying. Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered, and fed 
TJiee ? or thirsty and gave Thee drink ? When saw we 
Thee a stranger and took Thee in? or naked and 
clothed Thee.' 

" He took a very lively interest in young ministers 
generally. Tliey met with such a warm welcome, he 
was so unreserved and free, that they loved to come to 
him for counsel and sympathy. ISTone whom he knew 
were in want of a friend in their need. In their failure 
to see clearly the truths instead of upbraiding them, 
he admired and followed the example of Aquila and 
Priscilla in the case of ApoUos ' and took them unto 
him, and expounded unto them the way of God more 
perfectly.' 

" Wliile he freely sympathized with them in their tem- 
poral affairs, his kindness was specially manifest and over- 
flowing for them as fellow ambassadors for Christ. He 
loved to help them in their great work, stopped not to 
count the cost to himself, regarded it as his business, and 
all of it done for and at the expense of Christ. 
- "I said fellow ambassadors, for though they werQ 

18^ 



418 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

young, he drew no lines between himself and them, 
assumed no right to dictate, claimed no superiority, but 
having presented the result of his own experience, was 
sure to leave them unhampered, and free to dissent, if 
they could. In the youngest of his brethren he fully 
recognized the right to exercise their own judgment, 
and often reminded them of the obligation to do so, after 
all that was spread before them by their seniors. 

" If he could promote them in the favor of the people, 
and extend their usefulness, his own happiness was just 
as much enhanced. He w^as so completely above and 
beyond those little jealousies towards brethren, which 
have painfully characterized some good men, that, in 
the minds of those who knew him intimately, his very 
name is a rebuke to it. As the harbinger of our Lord 
truly rejoiced in the growing ascendency of Christ, so, 
I believe, did Spencer H. Cone, in every place, and on 
every occasion, when he was obscured by a fuller and 
happier exhibition of Christ crucified. All thoughts of 
himself were forgotten when the honor of his Lord was 
involved. The higher Christ was exalted by young or 
old, the more his heart exulted, irrespective of his or 
another's connection with it. His abiding and ardent 
desire for- his younger brethren in the ministry, was 
that they might greatly excel him in preaching the 
unsearchable riches of Christ. It was pre-eminently 
this kind of excellence in them that he sought and 
prayed for. He appreciated learning, but rarely at- 
tempted to excite a young man's ambition in that direc- 
tion ; for the simple reason that he usually found them 
awakened to the value of intellectual training, while 
vastly higher qualifications were but dimly seen. 

" Long years since I often remarked that while many 
other ministers with whom I met, talked much and 
largely about literary studies, and taste and training, 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 419 

style of composition and elocation — excellence in those 
particulars upon which the educated world sits in judg- 
ment — he was always seeking to make a SGvijytnral 
preacher, a Oos^el preacher, a spiritually minded 
preacher. Accordingly, I well remember words like 
the following from his lips : 

" ' Avoid seeking a reputation as a preacher. It costs 
dearly to support a reputation, destroys spirituality of 
mind, has greatly detracted from the usefulness of some 
good and able men. 

" ' Beware of withholding, for some great occasion, 
thoughts w^hich you may regard as specially valuable. 
If you make such use of thoughts given by the Holy 
Spirit, He will be likely to withhold from you. Give 
them to the people the first opportunity — wait not till 
another occasion. 

" ' Guard against judging of the state of your heart, by 
any liberty or light you may have in preaching. You 
may be aided in that way, in answer to the prayers of 
the church which you serve, while the real state of your 
heart may be deplorable. 

" ' Never be drawn or swerved from a plain duty by 
inconvenience and trouble. For instance, defer not a 
baptism, because it is stormy, or because there is only 
one, or because it may be a very humble and obscm*e 
disciple. 

"'There are two courses before you as a preacher: 
make yourself familiar with classic authors, study 
the popular taste, bring forth well-written essays, use 
the Bible as a fine collection of texts, and fill up your 
sermons from other sources ; or — 

" ' Give yourself chiefly to the study of the Bible, 
bring forth the whole counsel of God, whether men will 
hear or forbear, " Present the Word.^^ 

" ' In the first course you will make yourself popular, 



420 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

in the other you will be useful to the souls of men, and 
please God. Take your choice. 

" ' Accustom yourself to give Christ His place in every 
sermon. Get the Gospel by the handle. Never preach 
a sermon without enough of the Gospel to show a sinner 
how he must be saved.' 

" The above were not presented in precisely this lan- 
guage, and not at all in this order, nor all of them on 
any one occasion ; but in a very informal way, he was 
constantly throwing out the weightiest suggestions 
whenever I had an hour with him. 

''I am aware that this is a very meagre outline on the 
point named. 

" Turning from these peculiarities, allow me to name 
another, and his crowning characteristic as a Christian, 
which I have not seen duly noticed, and which, I think, 
ought to be made prominent in a faithful memoir of 
him. I refer to the strength — the greatness of his faith 
in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

" I believe that his cordial renunciation, before God, of 
every work and service of his head and heart, his grate- 
ful exulting reception of the sinner's friend — the good 
faith in which he received the promise of life in Christ, 
and accordingly fled from himself to Christ as his all^ 
this, I believe, was the crowning triumph of grace in 
his heart and life. Abraham-like, ' he staggered not at 
the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in 
faith, giving glory to God.' 

" This was the ground of his power with God and 
men, and of his wide-spread, honored usefulness." 

The following letter to Mr. Sarles, is a very striking 
exhibition of his way of thinking, and manner of coun- 
selling a young preacher. He is writing from Schooley's 
Mountain, New Jersey, and says, "The first Sabbath of 
the month (August) I supplied a large Presbyterian 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 421 

Chnrcli in Hackettstown. I have preached twice in the 
chapel on the mountain. My texts have been, Jer. 
xxii. 29, Mark. viii. 36, and 2 Cor. v. 17, from which 
you may at least gather the character of the subjects to 
which the attention of my hearers was directed. 

" So you sat up till near midnight, and had the head- 
ache the next day, as a very natural consequence. 
Well, don't do so again. Experientia docet. Your 
mental preparations can never be set off in a Boanerges' 
strain, unless you give the body fair play. 

" I think I left a copy of the ' Pulpit Cyclopedia ' for 
you. You may consult it to advantage. Not only the 
essays on the art of preaching, but the skeletons of 
sermons. Use everybody — work them in, if they have 
anything that's worth it — but copy nobody. 

" Look over Jay's morning and evening exercises— he 
has great tact in sermonizing — in the choice of texts, and 
in the manner of handling them. 

" I wish you to get into the habit of always having a 
subject on your mind, not ^half matured,' but wholly 
matured for presentation. Why, a Baptist preacher 
ought to be ready to preach at a minute's warning, 
if necessary. I do not expect him to be inspired on such 
occasions, although, I believe the Lord always helps 
those who boldly and cheerfully stand in their lot ; nor 
do I wish him to be ready to say anything that comes 
uppermost, and suppose that the single word ^unpre- 
pared ' will serve as the mantle of charity to cover over 
all his jargon. JSTo, this is the motto for my preacher, 
' semper paratus,' and that the motto may be appropri- 
ate, let him remember that preaching is his business — 
his reasonable and delightful service. 

" In the morning he rises — reads — meditates — prays — 
5v passage strikes him — if not, let him read until he find 
one that does — then let him throw it into the shape of a 



422 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Bermon at once. Say it is 2 Cor. v. 17, ' Therefore if 
any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ; old things 
are passed away ; behold, all things are become new.' 
JSTow what is it to be in Christ? 1. By election — by 
conversion, &c. 2. Evidence of the fact — new creation 
• — new thoughts — ^principles — desires — hopes — fears, &c. 
Of God, of Christ, of soul, &c. 3. Privileges and bene- 
fits of this new state — embracing earth and Heaven. 

" Let this or a similar outline from a7iy text be 
on your mind — think how you could speak of Christ, or 
the spirit, or Heaven, or the worth of the soul from it ; 
and the ' paratus semper ' shall stand up, if duty calls, 
and say something to the purpose, for he has thought on 
liis text, and satisfied himself of its import, and has 
several proof texts impressed upon his memory, that 
can be at once made available. Then he can use his 
liberty, and dwell on the Ist, 2d, or 8d points, as they 
open to his mind, and if he finds that he has talked 
long enough^ he can wind up with a stroke or two, just 
to clench the nail he has spent the hour in driving ; or 
if he has ten minutes \h.?^\j ought to l)e occwpied^ let him 
remind Christians of their privileges — gratitude — devo- 
tion, &c., or sinners that if the soul is lost — all is lost ! 
Never forgetting that his ^ wind up ' must not be forced 
or far-fetched, but be ' fitly framed ' to the text. The 
Lord bless you, and make you more useful, and more 
devoted than your assured friend and brother." 

Few men of good mind, and honest purpose, could 
practise on the system recommended in a letter on 
the same subject, without attaining excellence in extem- 
poraneous speaking. It is true, much self-conceit and 
pride, must be first had away from the heart; and 
the bad habits of a majority of students and speak- 
ers got rid of ; but it seems to us, that a frank and 
determinate adoption of these rules, will, perhaps, go as 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 423 

far to banisli all such, as any mere mental training 
can, 

" I hope/' he says to the yomig student of theology, 
who at his request often supplied his pulpit whilst 
he rested a week or two from his labors during the heat 
of the summer — but who was now himself resting 
a little from his studies in a country retreat, " I hope 
you will have sufficient confidence in God, and in the 
fullness of Christ, and in the promised presence and aid 
of the Holy Spirit, and in the abundant supplies treas- 
ured up in the Gospel, to preach at least once every 
Lord's day. You may sometimes be mortified and shut 
up, as others have been before you, but notwithstanding 
all this, preach frequently . Practise only makes perfect. 
A man might read about cutting out a coat until he was 
grey, and not be able to make a garment that would fit 
a lap-board after all. Tou must practise. Learn a 
little, and preach it ; learn a little more and preach that, 
and so on, till you have the bag of the Gospel, full 
of milk, to resort to, and your hand so thoroughly prac- 
tised in the art of milking, that you can pull away 
at the teat of election, and if the milk don't run freely, 
try the teat of adoption, or justification, or sanctification, 
or conversion, or the offices of Christ, or the graces 
of the spirit, or the duties and privileges of the 
Christian, &c. Only take care always to feed your 
hearers upon ^ the sincere milk of the word, that 
they may grow thereby.' As you are in the country, 
ascertain how the girls learn to milk. I think they try 
constantly till they succeed. Go thou and do likewise. 

" I am sorry you are fallen into such Arminian bor- 
ders, but hope it will do you good. Resort to the Bible 
for arguments, and call up your own experience on the 
subject. Salvation is either of grace or worTcs. Paul 
has set that matter in a clear light. Tour views of the 



424 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE^. 

atonement are correct. Yon can snstain them by plain 
passages of holy writ ; by the doctrine of the Trinity ; 
by the oflfices of Christ — shepherd, husband, priest, 
surety, advocate, &c. Disputes are not profitable; 
avoid them when you can with propriety, and always 
speak the truth in love. If you must argue, ask the 
Arminian to solve your difficulties about total depra- 
vity, and the passages that speak of salvation by grace, 
\hQ power of God, &c., and he will find that it is easier 
to ash questions sometimes, than to answer them. 

" Read Booth's " Keign of Grace " carefully and criti- 
cally. If you should commit it to memory, it would do 
you good to the day of your death. It would furnish 
your mind with an outline of the plan of redeeming 
mercy, so that you could not be taken by surprise, or 
find yourself incapable at any time of defending a scrip- 
tural position. But more especially, study the Bible 
prayerfully ; commit to memory striking passages, that 
you may be mighty in the Scriptures, and then your 
profiting will appear unto all men. 

" Set out with the determination to preach extem- 
poraneously. And to do this, premeditate not on 
words^ but things / not to fix upon a mode of expression 
— this will only hamper you — but to fix the subject on 
your mind. The man who commits a sermon, when 
he preaches, seems to be performing a task — ^his highest 
success is not to forget what he had previously, in the 
cold study, written ; but he who meditates upon a sub- 
ject — say ' the love of God ' — and has enriched his mind 
by looking at it in various aspects, as the spring of all 
his blessings — the gift of Christ — his sufiferings — the 
influences of the Spirit — the guilty creatures to whom it 
comes — the misery from which it rescues — the holiness 
and happiness to which it elevates them, &c. ; when 
such a man comes to the people, he has to throw him- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 425 

self iipon God and pray for help — a most profitable 
exercise ! Then whilst he adheres mainly to the outline 
he has carefully formed of his subject, he is not afraid 
to employ passages, or historical facts, or Bible illustra- 
tions, as they come into his mind, in the warmth of 
argument or exhortation, as he feels the worth of souls, 
and the precionsness of Christ, and there will be a fresh- 
ness, an attractiveness, an adaptation in such efforts, 
not to be found in written essays. And when success 
accompanies the effort, there is a consciousness of imme- 
diate aid from God, and an evidence that he has called 
us to the work which is above price. At least, such is 
my experience, and such the abiding sentiment of my 
soul. Tou must learn to preach extemporaneously. It 
will give you much more time for study, and render 
your ministry much more efficient." 

In answer to a young brother, who has asked for a 
course of study, he says : " I never studied an hour in a 
theological seminary — how can I mark out a course of 
instruction for licentiates ? You know as well as I — let 
common sense have fair play. Preachers need to Icnoio 
everything. Let them begin with first principles, and 
go on to perfection, making the Bible their daily com- 
panion, and valuing learning of any and every kind, 
only as it helps to understand and explain the Bible." 

In another letter he says : " You ask for standard 
works — they are so numerous and so various in their 
excellence that I scarcely know where to begin. I prefer 
Abram Booth, 6 vols., 8 vo., London, to any other mere 
human writer. Gill, Hall, Fuller, Bunyan, have much 
that is good, but some things to be guarded against. 
Maclain, on Hebrews, and Haldane, on Romans, 1 vol., 
8vo. each, are studies. I prize Haldane above the rest 
as a commentator." 

Making, of course, exceptions in favor of those which 



426 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

particular occasions required to be reduced to writing, 
his general and strong preference was for extemporane- 
ous preacliing. 

He was in the habit of putting the argument in favor 
of the practice very strongly, in this wise : *' You will see," 
he said, " sl lawyer in a court of justice trying a case. 
His client's interests are at stake. He is their defender. 
Perhaps it is money interest ; perhaps the deeper inte- 
rest of reputation; or, dearest of all, life itself. The 
judge upon the bench — the jury in the box, have the 
fate of his client in their hands. To save him, their 
minds are to be impressed by argument; their hearts 
touched by eloquence and pathos. To what a task does 
a good counsel set himself Every power of the body — 
every quality of the mind is taxed and strained to the 
•utmost. His memory contributes its stores of learning. 
His rhetoric adorns what is dry, smooths what is rug- 
ged, and makes the path so pleasant that his hearers are 
enticed along with him wherever he will have them go. 
His fancy and imagination play with seductive bril- 
liancy around the subject. His heart contributes all its 
tenderest emotions to heighten and fix the impression, 
and stamp his words with the mint-mark of nature and 
truth. Does he not deserve success in a good cause? 
But behold, man is arraigned at the bar of heaven. A 
God too just to look upon sin with the least allowance, 
is the awful Judge. The doom of the finally impenitent 
is a hell of endless torment, where hope never enters. 
The prisoner, careless of his fate, ignorant of his danger, 
stands there in hardened folly. The preacher who is to 
plead with sinners — who is to stand between the living 
and the dead — who is to warn a soul worth more than all 
the worlds, to flee from the wrath to come ; who is to 
point him to Christ as the only Saviour for one so lost 
and guilty ; the only Advocate with the Father ; who is 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON COKE. 427 

to endeavor to strike tliroiigli tlie iron casing whicli bars 
the passage to his heart; and arouse him to the immi- 
nent peril in which he stands ; the man who is to tell 
that wonderful — that soul-piercing and enrapturing 
story of the Cross — reads it all from a well-written 
manuscript ! Cacn that man's soul be lifted up to the 
mercy-seat as he does so ? Can his heart be bursting 
with agony and love for precious human souls — his eyes 
fountains of tears — his whole being wrapt and engaged 
in the sublime responsibility of his office ? It is possible 
it may, but can sinners see it in his eyes, and hear it in 
his voice ? Can he forget himself — his mere words — 
everything but the infinite sorrow of a lost soul — the 
infinite love of a dying, risen, interceding Saviour? and 
will that be so palpable that conviction will strike the 
dullest ? I cannot think it. And shall a lawyer, for the 
sake of the things of this world, task all the noblest 
attributes of man, and, but to save for some unhappy 
wretch an hour, a month, a year of painful breath, dis- 
play unmatched devotion, energy, fire, passion, every- 
thing ; and he who pleads for souls, whose object is to 
snatch men from the precipice below which, roll the 
fiery billows of eternal woe — shall he do less ? Dare he 
do less?" 

We ofier no apology for giving so many of his letters 
to Rev. Mr. Sarles in this connection ; they tell their own 
story better than we can. They possess also a peculiar- 
ity, best shown by themselves. It was the only writing 
he indulged in after he began to preach. Dashed off at 
railroad speed, anywhere, under any circumstances, the 
simple, unstudied pouring out of his heart or mind; 
they have yet, many of them, the compactness and force 
of closely-reasoned, and carefully-prepared essays. The 
reason of this is very plain ; they were the skeletons of 
his own system of thought and action. He had acted 



428 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

all he wrote, for a life-time. Every point and rule had 
been digested and considered for years — turned and 
looked at in every possible direction — and when shaped 
in a manner to satisfy his mind, set up as a land-mark 
to travel by in the journey of duty. 

Thus as he was always thinking of the best way, to 
advance the cause of Christ in the world, as he thought 
of nothing else in fact and cast about him every 
moment of the day to find the best means to do it, his 
conversation, the product of so much thought, was full 
of weighty suggestions. Half the time he was not 
aware that he had said anything strong or valuable. It 
had been turned over in his own mind so often that it 
seemed like something which must be apparent to every 
body as a thing of course. So with his letters, they 
flowed out of a full heart and mind, naturally and with- 
out effort. Entirely free from the idea of producing an 
effect, and, indeed, simple relations of processes of 
thought, through which he had gone himself in the elim- 
ination of truth, or rapid digests of his system of Theol- 
ogy, benevolence, principles, they possess the charm 
rather of a great and good man's conversation, than his 
writings. How many natural traits and thoughts are 
scattered through this one. " With reference to your 
request to address the Society I am. not now prepared to 
reply. I cannot make any positive engagement ; all I 
can say is, the cause of missions is dear to my heart ; to 
address your association upon the soul stirring theme, 
would be to me most gratifying, and if circumstances 
permit I intend to be present at your next anniversary. 
Further than this I cannot go, and it will be proper for 
your society to secure the services of some competent 
brother for the important occasion in question, and if I 
should happen to be at Hamilton, you may wovTc me in 
a/aywJiere. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 429 

" I hope yon will not dispose of yonrself positively for 
the month of Aiignst, at least nntil we have ao opportu- 
nity of ascertaining whether you ought not to spend that 
month with the church under my pastoral care, 
(The First Baptist Church New York.) It is a lovely 
church, sound in the faith, united and happy, and I bless 
God for the usefulness and comfort he has given me 
among them from the beginning. 

" 1 have looked over your case carefully and deliber- 
ately, and without repeating details and particulars, my 
judgment decidedly is, that you are not called to occupy 
the field of foreign missions. 

" Next as to your ' future course.' Were I in your 
position, if I understand it correctly^ I should enter upon 
the work of the ministry after your collegiate course is 
completed. 

" Study Theology from the Bible, your own heart, the 
experience of your people, the wants of the community 
among whom you labor. Heading makes a full 
preacher, thinJcing makes a wise one, and sjpealcing a 
ready one. The man who reads two hours and thinlcs six 
is the preacher I should like to sit under. 

" If you were to be a missionary, with a view espe- 
cially to the translation of the sacred Scriptures, you 
should remain where you are, and obtain a critical 
knowledge of Hebrew and Greek ; but as a pastor of 
one of our churches, there are other things of more 
importance, and you can learn them better and faster 
when you every day are made to feel what you need, 
than if you were to study for years with an indefinite 
idea of what mental furniture you might probably use 
to the best advantage in future possible emergencies. 

" You may be a missionary in spirit, and yet remain 
in the United States ; my first impulse was to preach the 
Gospel to the heathen, and had I been single, I should 



430 LIFE OF SPENCEE HOUGHTON CONE. 

have gone forth, immediately. Having wife and child I 
could not go, but God has manifestly made my thirty 
years' ministry a greater blessing to the heathen world 
than if my bones were bleaching on the plains of Asia, 
and He is able to do the same, yea, and much more 
with you^ and so may He do for Christ's sake !" 

In a letter written to Mr. Sarles, in May, 1846, he indi- 
cates his idea of the wide distinction between " revivals," 
got up by extraordinary means of excitement and pre- 
paration, and the gracious outpouring of the Spirit " like 
the former and latter rain." His tender care and affec- 
tion for the wife of his youth and of his old age, peep out 
under the modesty of the word " necessity " — ah ! it was 
a necessity of the heart. In the same wholesome way 
he shows too the distinction between trusting " Christ" 
and trusting " self." 

" I shall expect you to supply my pulpit in August, 
at least. Mrs. Cone is now sick abed with influenza, 
her lungs are weak, and the slightest cold oppresses 
them ; indeed, she has never had one entire week of 
good health since last September. I shall, of necessity, 
devote a considerable part of the ensuing summer to 
her restoration to health — if the Lord will ! 

" I do not wish you to interrupt your studies, but let 
me know when you can come, and how long you can 
consistently remain, and I will make my arrangements 
accordingly. The members of the First Church love 
you and your preaching ; tbey will receive you cordially 
and listen to you kindly, so that there needs nothing 
more to be said upon that subject. 

" I hope the Lord will make plain paths for your feet 
— you need not be in a hurry where to fix your post. 
"Watch and pray, and. the Lord will provide you a pulpit 
of wood, or a stand under the spreading oak, where 
you may proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 431 

'' Witli the character of the recent revival at Hamil- 
ton I was happily made acquainted, from different 
sources, and it rejoiced my heart. It was evidently 'a 
work of Grace,' and that is all we need to break the 
hardest heart and turn the stone to flesh. Salvation by 
free and sovereign grace, is not only written upon the 
sacred page with a sunbeam, but in the experience of 
every Christian, if he will only tell the story of his con- 
version in the language of the Spirit, and not in the 
phraseology of mortals. 

" Think of the Saviour's account of a converted soul, 
in the parable of the shepherd, who goes after the poor 
wandering sheep — -finds hwi^ hinds hino to his shoulder 
— irings him home to his fold, &c. How simple, plain, 
beautiful, true ! 

" Now suppose that sheep could talk, and we should 
hear him say to others of the flock, ' I took the first step 
— I was tired of wandering on the mountains of error — 
I determined to seek the shepherd — ^I found Him and 
jumped upon His shoulder — and here I am safe and 
sound, as long as I am faithful and choose to stay 
here !' 

" Oh ! these I, I, I, how they hide the Saviour ! Let 
me continue to sing — while life, 'and strength, and being 
last, or immortality endures. 

" 'Jesus sought me when a stranger, 
Wandering from the fold of God, 
He to rescue me from danger, 
Interposed his precious blood !' " 

The following short extract shows how careful he 
was not to attempt to influence the judgment of younger 
preachers: "As to future study I cannot direct you; 
you must judge for yourself. Tou must decide whether 
it will be best to remain at Hamilton one two or three 



432 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

years; or whether you ought to 'go a fishing' imme- 
diately, relying upon Him who sends you forth to 
furnish you with a net, and after perhaps much apparent 
fruitless toil, tell you how to put it down at length on 
the right side of the ship." 

The following, too, indicates the just appreciation he 
had of learning in a preacher, and how he put it in 
its right place : " The importance of education to 
a preacher is admitted on all hands, and true learning 
always promotes humility- rather than pride^ and I 
rejoice, therefore, that you are solicitous to seek out 
acceptable words with which to clothe your thoughts. 
The question to be solved, in the case of Brother Taylor 
and yourself, is simply one of duty, and is between God 
and your own souls. You have taken the right method 
to- ascertain the path of safety, by 'making known your 
request to God, by prayer and supplication with thanks- 
giving,' and as you think the 'long course ' will please 
God, and as your mind is at peace, while you contem- 
plate it, I say to you both, go on, and the blessing of the 
Highest overshadow you. The only difficulty in my 
mind is the length of time it will keep you from preach- 
ing Christ to the perishing and destitute ; but if by this 
delay you are made ' workmen that need not 4;o be 
ashamed,' the cause of truth will be the gainer, and not 
the loser by it. I therefore say, ' Go on,' under the 
assurance that your motives are pure, and that your aim 
is to be useful rather than great and learned — to win 
souls to Christ, rather than gather classical laurels for 
yourselves." 

" Whenever and wherever you preach, preach Christ. 
Never leave out Christ when you are trying to make in 
your thoughts the skeleton of a sermon. Habituate 
yourself to give Him His place whatever be your sub- 
ject — whom we preach," &c. 



LIFE OF SPEJSrCEE HOUGHTON COKE. 433 

The other letters, with the perusal of which Rev. Mr. 
Sarles has obliged us, display his care over several of 
the young students at Hamilton ; his solicitude for their 
temporal and spiritual welfare ; anxiety to be useful to 
them in procuring books and comforts, and urgent 
desire that they should advance the reputation of the 
institution, and the cause of Christ, by coming out from 
it, not only learned, but scriptural and evangelical 
preachers of the Gospel. How he found time to do all 
this, in connection with his public duties, seems hardly 
possible to understand. Keeping the threads of every 
public enterprise of the denomination in his hand ; 
preaching without relaxation ; reading much, and read- 
ing closely too ; studying Biblical criticism intensely ; 
recollecting and attending to all the wants of individual 
members of his church ; visiting the sick, and at the 
same time discharging a thousand offices of friendship 
daily. Such was his life. To compass it, every minute 
had its allotted work, and system co-operated with 
genius. 

Dr. Armitage's account of his first interview with 
Mr. Cone ofi*ers a pleasing illustration of his manner to 
young preachers, he says : " My introduction to Dr. 
Cone was at the pastor's conference in the lecture-room 
of the First Baptist Church, in 1848. As he extended 
his hand to me, he said : 

" ' Ah, this is Brother Armitage, is it ? I have heard 
much of you, my brother, since Dr. Welch baptized 
you.^ We welcome you into the Baptist denomination. 
But I hope you are sound in the faith on the subject of 
our doctrines, as well as on the ordinances.' I replied, 
* Yes, sir, I presume I am, at least I have been pro- 
nounced so by Dr. Welch, Alfred Bennett, William 
Arthur, and the largest council which ever met in 
Albany, after a full and lengthy examination.' 

19 



434 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

" ' Oh well, then,' said Dr. Cone, 'I presume it is all 
right. Bartholomew T. "Welch ought to know. He's a 
safe man in his views of the Gospel. If he says you are 
right, I reckon we shall have to let you pass: May God 
bless you, my brother.' " 

The following communication from one of his early 
children in the Gospel, covering several important 
letters, shows, that however separated by lapse of time 
or distance, he carried them all in his thoughts, and was 
never too busy to attend to their spiritual welfare, or 
labor to upbuild them in the faith ; and is especially 
valuable for its statement of some of his views of divine 
truth. 

''In your last letter," she says, "you spoke of his 
death. Tes ! he is gone, but the remembrance of hina 
is to me very precious. Dearly did I love him. I 
prized him, and felt him to be my friend. Though I 
have been so long separated from him, still in any diffi- 
culty I always applied to him, and always found him a 
willing counsellor. How often now do I think of him, 
and my warm attachment in days gone by. How well 
I remember the farewell sermon he preached, and the 
tears I shed when he left Alexandria ! 

" At a time when my mind felt dark, and I needed 
Christian counsel, I wrote to him, and he answered ; ' 1 
regret that any consideration should' have prevented 
you from making known your Christian exercises and 
difficulties, for it could not be a question with you, but 
that the present and everlasting happiness of my chil- 
dren in the Gospel, must ever be a subject near to my 
heart. With reference to Christian character, the 
Apostle says, that those who measm^e themselves by 
themselves, are not wise ; that is, those who make the 
sorrows and joys, the convictions and ecstasies, the 
apparent humility and spiritual mindedness of their 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOIJGHTOlSr CONE. 435 

professors, the rule by which they judge of their own 
state, do not act consistently ; they do not draw conclu- 
sions upon safe or scriptural principles. Open the Bible. 
Who is a Christian according to God's unerring descrip- 
tion ? If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ; old 
things have passed away ; behold ! all things have 
become new. This is a Christian, who can say from 
experience, whereas once I was blind, now I see ! See 
what ? The holy character of the Divine Being ; the 
just requirements of His Law; the depravity and 
sinfulness of the human heart ; the need of a better 
righteousness than our own to justify us in the sight of 
God; the loveliness, suitableness, and fullness of Christ 
as our Redeemer, substitute, and surety ; the hateful 
I nature, as well as fatal consequences of sin ; the beauty of 
toliness, and the utter impossibility of ever satisfying the 
soul with earthly things. Now if these are our views, 
we can go on a little further, and say, we love God 
because he is holy, and just, and good, and has given 
His only begotten Son to die for sinners ; we love 
Christ, because he first loved us, and manifested the 
infinite loveliness of his character in becoming poor 
that we might be made rich ; we love the Holy Spirit ; 
/because He has convinced us of sin, shown us the abil- 
jity of Christ to save to the uttermost all that come unto 
j God by him, drawn us with the cords of love, and made 
I us to pant after holiness, as the hart panteth after the 
water brooks ; we love the children of God, because 
they bear the image of their elder brother, because 
they love Jesus, and desire to glorify Him in their 
bodies and spirits, which are the Lord's. Hence the 
never- failing marJc of true discipleship is left on record 
for the comfort of the saints in every age, and under 
every dispensation, ' hereby do we hnow that we have 



436 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

passed from death unto life, because we love the breth- 



ren.' 



" ' Christians should earnestly desire the best gifts, 
they should never be satisfied with present attainments; 
they should forget the things that are behind, and press 
towards the mark of the prize of their high calling. 
And yet Christians often write bitter things against 
themselves, by confounding Grace itself with large 
attainments through Grace. There were many Old 
Testament saints who arrived safely in Heaven, 
although, they were not translated like Enoch, or 
carried thither in a cloud of fire, like Elijah. 

" 'The foot is not an eye, and the hand is not the 
tongue ; shall we say, therefore, that the foot does not 
belong to the body? This would evidently be an 
absurd conclusion. Our faces do not shine like the face 
of Moses ; we have not the eloquence of Apollos, the 
profundity of Paul, the zeal of Peter, or the ardent love 
of John. Oh, for grace to be more like them. But do 
I love the head even, Christ? Am I attached to the 
members of His mystical body. His redeemed, and 
chosen, and sanctified ones ? Then may we each of us 
say, 'my soul shall rest immovably secure upon the 
promise of Him who is not a man that he should lie, 
nor the son of man that he should repent. His promise 
is, 'where I am, there shall my people be also, that 
they may behold My glory.' " 

r Sometime after the above was received, my mind was 
considerably exercised on the subject of close commun- 
ion. The following extracts from his letter, in reply to 
mine on the subject, are those which referred to the 
question. 

" You believe that Baptism is immersion only, and 
that believers are the only proper subjects of the 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 437 

ordinance. There is not in the Bible, either precept or 
example for infant sprinkling, 

" The act of Baptism, is an act of obedience to Zion's 
King, of which infants are incapable. 

"The religion of Jesus Christ is personal, spiritual, 
and voluntary / it is, therefore, utterly inconsistent with 
infant Baptism, for babes have no faith, no volition in 
the act. It is an unmeaning, unscriptural, human cere- 
mony. JSTow, do not Baptists stand alone in this matter, 
as w^itnesses for God? Thousands are horn Catholics, 
;or Presbyterians, or Quakers, or Churchmen ; but no 
one is horn a Baptist. We must first be brought to the 
knowledge of the truth ; then cry ' Lord, what wilt 
:Thou have us to do?' The answer is, 'if ye love Me, 
keep my commandments. Arise and be baptized.' 
We obey, and it is well-pleasing to God ; for to obey is 
better than sacrifice, and to hearken, than the fat 
of rams. 

'' A Gospel church is a voluntary association of such 
persons, and such only, as have been baptized upon 
profession of their personal faith in Jesus Christ. They 
are organized for the purpose of maintaining the doc- 
trines and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 

One of these ordinances, and the one now in question, 
is the Lord's Supper. It is a church ordinance, not a 
ministerial or private one like preaching or prayer. It 
;can only be scripturally kept or administered when 
•"the church is together in one place." It is a sign of 
'fellowship with the church and with Christ, the glorious 
itlead, in obedience to whose commands in the ordi- 
jiiances of Baptism " we keep the feast," and without 
whose commands to do so, it would be neither a privi- 
'lege nor a duty. Now the o^^der Christ has established 
Hs faith, baptism, breaking of bread. Such was the 
jrder of primitive churches ; but Pedo-Baptists have 



438 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

changed one of the ordinances, as well as their order. 
For baptism, they put sprinkling ; for believing, they 
put infant. Instead of m?k.mg faith the prerequisite of 
baptism, and saying, "if thou believest with all thy 
heart, thou mayst," they leave faith out of the question, 
and baptize, or sprinkle, or pour those who are incapa- 
ble of its exercise. Have you communion, agreement, 
fellowship with such a church ? 

'' You say you have dear Christian friends in other 
churches, whose piety is vastly greater than your own, 
and with these individuals you have fellowship. 

" But the Lord's supper was not instituted as a sign of 
Christian communion^ but of union in church relation- 
ship, 

" We may love Quakers, or Catholics, or Methodists, if 
satisfied with the evidence they give of personal piety ; 
and in preaching, singing, prayer, conversation, &c.j 
may delight to manifest our Christian fellowship ; but 
we have conscientiously and deliberately embraced 
different views of the order and laws of God's house ; 
we have not church fellowship with them, and cannot, 
therefore, consistently sit down to the Lord's supper 
with them, which is the sign of that fellowsHip. 

" Why should we have the sign, if we have not the 
thing signified ? 

" You say they would commune with you, why should 
you not with them ? 

"The cases are not parallel. They believe with you 
that baptism is the indispensable prerequisite of commu- 
nion ; they hold to close communion as pertinaciously as 
we do. They know that immersion is baptism ; they 
are satisfied that you are baptized, and have a right to 
the Lord's supper. Of course, in sitting down with you, 
they have nothing to abandon — nothing to concede. 
But you have to abandon heliever^s haptism as the only 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 439 

scriptural baptism, and still believing, as yon do, that 
Christ has established this prerequisite, are yon ready 
to say baptism is of no importance, or infant sprinkling 
will do as well ? 

" Until you can do this, you cannot consistently sit at 
the table with those whom yoii^ know to be unbaptized." 

A year after my marriage, when I was in deep afflic- 
tion both mentally and physically, I wrote to him again, 
and again he endeavored to come to my relief, by a 
speedy and feeling answer, thus : " You say, ' I am un- 
happy because I have not peace with God.' If I were 
entirely unacquainted with you, and were to judge of 
your state simply by your own expressions, I should 
certainly conclude that you were a child of God, though 
' cast down, yet not to be destroyed.' ' The necessity 
of prayer; a new heart — a heart of flesh; godly sorrow 
for sin ; removal of the load of guilt from the wounded 
conscience ; personal interest in the atonement of Christ ; 
His love shed abroad in the heart ; the light of God's 
countenance ; ardent desire to go up to the house of 
God; to be useful to others.' These are your expres- 
sions and feelings. These things are learned only in the 
school of Christ. He alone can show us the exceeding 
sinfulness of sin — make us hate it, and groan under its 
burden until we are delivered from the bondage of cor- 
ruption — and teach us that His precious blood alone can 
cleanse us from all sin. Ton are like Job — ' Oh ! that I 
knew where I might find him !' or like David, ' Restore 
to my soul the joys of thy. salvation, and uphold me 
with thy free spirit ;" or like Paul, ' Oh ! wretched man 
that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this 
death V Now why, my friend, rather not say with Job, 
' I know that my Redeemer liveth ;' and with David, 
' The Lord is my shepherd — surely I shall dwell in the 
house of the Lord for ever :' and with Paul, ' Who shall 



440 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTOK COlSrE. 

separate me from the love of Christ? I am persuaded 
He is able to keep all I have committed unto Him 
against that day.' If yom- knowledge of sin, and ardent 
desire to be useful, and holy, and happy, in the society 
of Christ and his people, are the same marks of Chris- 
tian character that distinguished Job, and David, and 
Paul, then, doubtless, your end shall be like theirs. 
Your unhappiness may be ascribed to a diseased body, 
and not to the work of grace in the heart. 

" But you seemed disposed to look at your case, as 
of one who had learned these Scriptural forms of expres- 
sion from associating with Christians, and from hearing 
the Gospel faithfully preached. You ascribe your pro- 
fession of religion to ' natural feeling, which operated on 
you in witnessing the change in others, &c.' I question 
whether ' natural feeling,' sympathy with others, could 
give you the knowledge or abhorrence of sin, or the 
panting after Christ and holiness which you express, but 
even granting the bitter things you write against your- 
self to be true, and that ' you now know you have only 
a name to live,' why, it is an unspeakable mercy 
that you now Jcnow your need of a Saviour, and that 
repentance which needeth not to be repented of, and 
of a heart of flesh, and of a well grounded hope. Mil- 
lions even where the Gospel is preached, know nothing 
of these things — they are foolishness to them ; of course, 
they feel no need of them, and never pray for them. 
In one word, then, I say, look to Jesus for wisdom, 
righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. We can 
only be complete in him. You have been looking too 
much to yourself, to frames, and feelings, and walk, for 
comfort, and God is showing you that you must look to 
Christ. Look to Him wholly and alone. The more 
you see in Hi-m, the more you will resemble Him, for 
the beloved John teaches us that we shall be perfectly 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON GONE. 441 

" like Him when we shall see Him as He is." I com- 
mend you to God and to the word of His grace. Read 
and judge for yourself. Hold fast of whatever Christ 
teaches you. Be decided. Trust Him, and He 
will never leave you nor forsake you. He is a greater 
Saviour than you are a sinner, and you dishonor Him 
every moment jon stay away from*Him ; His blood gives 
the peace of conscience which passeth all understanding. 
You are dear to me as one of my children in the Gospel, 
which I have ever regarded you. For your happiness I 
do fervently pray. May the Lord keep you in the 
truth." 

These extracts from letters must necessarily be of a 
desultory character, covering as they do, so wide a field 
of thought on pastoral duties, and church discipline and 
doctrine. In a letter to a member of the First Church 
then residing abroad, referring to some trouble in the 
church, Mr. Cone says, " I have been thirty-five years a 
pastor, and never took sides in a case of discipline yet^ 
so you see we agree in one thing at least. I hold up the 
rule of God's word, for doctrine and church order, and 
Christian deportment, and as far as possible endeavor to 
make the disciples walk thereby ; but neutrality does 
not always satisfy either a delinquent or his friends ^ -^ ^ 
There are few additions to the church, the fisherman's 
hands are tied. Hard catching fish in the waters ,of 
strife. Lord revive us ! all our help must come from 
Thee." 

Writing to Eev. T. T. Devan, May 10th, 1818, in ans- 
wer to suggestions of his correspondent, he says, " You 
are right in preaching at once as well as you can. 
Pride might suggest, wait till you are able to speak 
properly and fiuently, and then why not wait till you 
are a walking theological seminary ? No ! your decision 
is correct, to-day lift up your voice like a trum- 

19^ 



442 LIFE* OF SPENCER HOrOHTON CONE. 

pet ; we know not what shall be on the morrow. ^ ^ ^ 
Baptism is undoubtedly a ministerial ordinance, and if 
you meet a man going to Ethiopia or Patagonia, with 
whose Christian experience you are satisfied, and he asks 
to be baptized that he may go on his way rejoicing, I 
would advise you to comply with his request. He may 
like the Eunuch, have an opportunity of preaching the 
Gospel to the destitute, and baptizing converts where 
churches do not exist. But when you ask w^hether ' you 
ought to immerse, knowing that the subjects w^ll retain 
their connection with mixed or Pedo-Baptist churches V 
I say no ! All things must be done decently and in 
order. Converts are baptized and the same day added 
to an existing Gospel church, or with a view of becom- 
ing constituent members of such a church. If they do 
not sufiiciently understand the New Testament to see 
that Gospel churches are composed of baptized believers, 
then they are not sufficiently enlightened to be baptized ; 
and if they are not willing to be baptized into the fel- 
lowship of a Baptist church, however weak and small, 
then they have not humility enough to put on Christ by 
baptism, and follow him through evil as well as good 
report. You could not baptize according to your 
hypothetical case without practically teaching and 
preaching open communion, and this you certainly 
were not sent to do by the church that licensed you and 
ordained you ^ earnestly to contend for the faith once 
delivered to the saints.' I send you a little work by 
Rev. E. Turney, on the law of Baptism ; it will repay a 
careful perusal." In another letter to the same person, 
he says, '^ The first Gospel church, was the church in 
Jerusalem, of which James was a pillar. The 18th of 
Matthew on oflfences and the institution of the Lord's 
Supper, anticipated the formation of a Gospel church out 
of those persons baptized by John the Baptist, or the 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON ^gONE. 443 

Apostles, as well as all succeeding Gospel churches in 
which the doctrines, ordinances, and discipline, estab- 
by Zion's King, were to Be observed to the end of time. 
The question of ' strict communion ' is no more affected 
by the fact that our Lord administered the supper to his 
disciples before the organization of a Gospel church, 
than their ' ordination ' to the work of the ministry 
could be called in question, because, 'a church did not 
license them to preach and administer ordinances." In 
another letter to the same he says, " Preach the truth, 
print and circulate the truth, and live the truth to the 
utmost. 'Proselyte' quotha? By all means. What 
did you go to France for? Let not your mind faint nor 
grow weary in the good work. Make as many Baptists 
as the Lord shall graciously ' make willing in the day 
of his power.' Lafant sprinkling is ' part and pillar of 
popery.' Insomuch as you drive it away or bring it 
into disrepute, as being a mere Tiv/man dogma^ without 
scriptural authority, you undermine popery, and lead 
the public mind to examine the Bible. Peoselyte 
wisely, deliberately, determinately, prayerfully, scriptu- 
rally.'" 

"VVe have given a general idea of his manner of pre- 
paration for preaching. His earlier habits, in Yirginia, 
were the foundation, however, upon which all else was 
built. "Whilst there, and for several years after his 
removal to New York, he was a very hard student of 
theology : a closer student perhaps, in Alexandria, than 
at any other time, as he enjoyed there a more ample 
leisure. The society which surrounded him in that place 
contributed greatly to his progress in knowledge of 
divine things. With true Yirginian, or, better, with a 
Christian hospitality, his house was always open, and 
several young Baptist preachers, as well as students 
from Columbian college, Washington, made it their home 



4:4:4: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

when in the city. The hours passed there, by these 
gentlemen, were profitable to all. They were generally 
spent in discnssing whatever points of theology their 
late studies had particularly fastened on their minds. 
Books were consulted ; commentators collated and com- 
pared ; above all, the Scripture searched, that '' to 
the law and to the testimony" all things might be 
brought. Thus they mutually established and built up 
each other in the doctrines and ordinances of the Lord. 
Of the members of that little society almost all after- 
wards became eminent and successful Baptist preachers, 
and without exception, that we know of, held fast unto 
the end to the same form of sound words. The cardinal 
doctrines of his system of theology had been impressed 
upon his mind from the time he heard McGloughlin 
preach, he being then little more than eight years old; 
but during those years of delightful intercourse with 
his young brethren in the ministry, he accumulated 
an invaluable store of learning to sustain and fix them. 
He never varied in doctrinal belief or preaching from 
the commencement to the close of his ministry. 
During almost his entire career as a pastor, he was 
eminently a worker. Constantly preaching ; fulfilling a 
round of pastoral duties ; and actively engaged in every 
benevolent enterprise, it was not possible for him to de- 
vote much time to the studies of the closet. It would, 
however, be a mistake to suppose that he was ever any- 
thing but a hard student. He was always studying ; 
and what he learned once he never forgot. He was 
always revolving in his mind some doctrine, or passage 
of scripture, or peculiarity of Christian experience, or 
great principle. Pass his study door, at any hour, and 
you would hear him talking over one or the other with 
himself. Hardly anything that passed about him, in 
the world, escaped him ; changes in government, politi- 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 445 

cal events in various countries, incidents and facts 
observed during his pastoral visits, remarkable dis- 
coveries in science — were all seized by him, and trans- 
muted by a bappy mental alchemy, into apt and striking 
illustrations of some view of divine truth. It is impos- 
sible to tell exactly when or where men of this quality 
of mind study. Their whole life is, in fact, an uninter- 
rupted study. They are studying you whilst they talk 
with you about the commonest things. They are full 
of a great principle of creation, magnetic — and attract- 
ing to itself momentarily all the atoms which it needs 
to make its masterpieces. The world, life, all that any 
sense can reach, are hourly teachers of their thoughts, 
and fill them with the wisdom of which books may be 
made, but which they cannot teach. He has often told 
us that he had never passed an idle hour from the time 
he was fourteen years old. 

It is not possible to present more than a very brief 
notice of Mr. Cone's connection with several benevolent 
enterprises, of which no particular mention has yet 
been made. He was one of the first patrons of the 
University of the city of New York. He attended most 
of the sittings of the convention that settled the 
principles on which it should be founded. After its 
incorporation, he secured considerable subscriptions 
from Baptists for its benefit, and acted from the begin- 
ning to within a very few years of his death with the 
friends of the Institution. As a member of the council, 
he devoted a large portion of time to many long and 
arduous sessions, during a period when the prospects of 
the University were so gloomy as to discourage its 
most sanguine supporters. 

For many years, too, he served the Colonization 
Society of New York, as a member of its Board; 
regularly attending the business meetings, and was 



446 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

usually relied on as one of the popular speakers at the 
anniversaries. 

For T]ie Christian Alliance, an association formed in 
New York for the diffusion of knowledge amongst the 
downtrodden nations of Italy and central Europe, he 
exhibited a strong interest, and gave to it much of his 
time and thoughts. In fact, in nearly every effort for 
the amelioration of the condition of his fellow men, 
which took form in the place where he dwelt, he bore 
so active a part that few who knew him but believed 
that in this world he was one of the Workers. 

In the American Baptist Publication Society, from 
its first organization in Washington, under the name of 
the Baptist General Tract Society, to the close of his life, 
he took a lively interest. 

And from the ofiicial acknowledgments of money 
received from him, which we have found amon^rst his 
papers, he must have been the channel through which 
many contributions flowed into the treasury of that 
society. 

It is, indeed, a fact worthy of being noted, that the last 
moneys contributed to the cause of benevolence, through 
him, were for this society. They were placed in his 
hands by a member of the First Church after the con- 
clusion of the services at the last prayer meeting he 
ever attended. .Before the money reached the treasury 
of the society, the tongue that had spoken so long and 
so eloquently in its behalf, was silent for ever. 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 4A7 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

THE LAST TEAK. 

The measures adopted and enforced by the deputation 
of the American Baptist Missionary Union, during their 
visit to some of their Asiatic stations, produced great 
dissatisfaction in the minds of several missionaries. 
Statements were made by the latter, strongly conflicting 
with the report of the deputation, and an appeal taken 
from their decisions, to the churches at home. 

A special meeting of the Board of the Union was 
convened, in March, 1855, in the city of New York, to 
adjust, if possible, the subject matters in dispute. In 
Mr. Cone's judgment, this meeting was inexpedient, 
because, called to act upon questions so gravely inport- 
ant in themselves, and so widely affecting the cause of 
missions, it w^as clearly necessary, that everything 
should be in evidence before the body assuming to 
render a decision. But at that period the evidence was 
defective. The statements of some individuals were in 
their possession; thestatementsof others, viz. : letters from 
various missionaries, still in transitu between Asia and 
the United States. Justice to all, seemed to him, 
therefore, to demand that the investigation should be 
deferred until the entire testimony was in a state to be 
submitted to the Board. The wisdom of his long 
experience was not, however, deferred to, and the 
meeting was insisted upon. 

At the opening of the session, the Executive 
Committee submitted their statement and views in 



448 LITE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

detail, and solicited, by their counsel, an immediate 
decission of the points contested. Mr. Cone foresaw 
that snch a course would not only foster the unpleasant 
feeling already existing between brethren, but tend 
directly to engender new discussions, and spread the evil 
far beyond its original limits. He felt, above all, with 
painful solicitude and regret, that it would afford a 
public occasion of rejoicing to the enemies of divine 
truth, who would find in the mutual differences of 
Christians, the opportunity for a dangerous triumph. 
He, therefore, warmly urged, that the whole matter 
be referred to a committee sufficiently large to ensure a 
settlement of the dispute, in a manner satisfactory to 
every interest. This wise and temperate proposition 
was treated with cold indifference. Foiled in his 
attempt to prevent the feelings and disputes of his 
brethren being offered as food for public scandal, he 
still persisted in urging measures of conciliation. To 
that end, he moved the reference of the whole subject 
to the general meeting of the society, to be held at 
Chicago, the following May. By such a course, he 
submitted, an opportunity would be afforded to the 
aggrieved brethren to be heard in their defence, and 
justify themselves before that body, whose agents they 
were. Thus he said ; " I am convinced, that the 
committee ought to be sustained ; but I think we ought 
to seek further light, in justice to the brethren, and wait 
for the regular meeting of the Board. I do not see, that 
such delay would be ruinous to the Union. We are 
assuming v6ry much the character of an ex parte 
council, a thing which I abhor, and abominate, as 
Anti-Baj^tistP 

The report of the meeting in New York is on record ; 
it is not necessary to our purpose, that we should 
go into its history, further than to show Mr. Cone's 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 449 

course, and its consistency with his whole life. His de- 
sire, and ambition, was to prevent injury to the cause of 
missions. Internal dissension, always more dangerous 
than external difficulty, or attack, threatened to impair 
its prosperity, and check its progress. Earnestly, and 
prayerfully, therefore, he tasked his mind, and drew 
upon the resources of a long experience, for a remedy 
which should carry with it oblivion of the past, and 
immunity for the future. The result has proved, even 
to the majority of those who were then unconvinced of 
its wisdom, that the course proposed by him would have 
been best. 

After experiencing, at that meeting, in New York, 
the contemptuous indifference to his counsels, so unwisely 
manifested by his juniors, we remember, he came home, 
and quoted in sadness, and with a kind of tender piety 
for them, the remark made there by a brother whom he 
loved. It was an expression of feeling, prompted as well 
by personal attachment to the " disregarded veteran. 
Cone," as by an appreciation of the propriety of the 
course he had suggested : 

" I had thought," said he, " that there was some ray 
of light, when my beloved brother of the church 
in Broome street, read his resolutions. I apprehend we 
have fallen upon times in which grey hairs are not as 
much respected, as in my childhood. I have almost 
begun to wish I might not live to old age." — (Eev. 
Baron Stow.) 

The actions of men were not such things, however, 
as could alienate Mr. Cone from duty to God, his 
people, or the world. "As long as I live, I mean 
to sustain the cause," was his answer to all there, as 
ever before. Nor, although disappointed in the con- 
duct of many, did his interest flag, or his labors suffer 
diminution. 



450 LIFE OF SPENCER HOFGHTON CONE. 

In the interim between tlie special meeting of the 
Board, and the meeting of the society at Chicago, in 
May, he received the letters of the aggrieved mission- 
aries, containing their statement of the facts connected 
with the doings of the deputation. These he immediately 
^put to press, and caused to be circulated among those 
interested in the matter. His object was to enable 
every one to examine both sides of the subject in agita- 
tion, not doubting that such a course would lead to an 
impartial and happy issue. ISTor was he disappointed. 

The special meeting of the Board, at the Tabernacle 
meeting-house, after a protracted session, failed to 
arrive at any conclusion, or to decide upon a course of 
action which would tend to overcome the difficulties 
w^hich had arisen, or allay the excitement created by 
them. The matter was therefore adjourned over to the 
May meeting of the Board and Society at Chicago. 

"When the letters from the missionaries reached the 
United States, Mr. Cone, as we have said, published 
them. During the time which elapsed between the 
special meeting and that at Chicago, the excitement 
constantly spread and increased. The feeling upon the 
subject was particularly strong in those churches 
throughout the country wdth which individual mission- 
aries had been connected, prior to their entering the 
service of the " IJnion," and the commencement of their 
labors in the Eastern world. 

This excitement had become, indeed, so general, and 
had increased so much, that when, at last, the society 
came together at Chicago, its best and staunchest friends 
and supporters took their seats, oppressed with the 
gloomiest forebodings. Everything appeared dark and 
threatening, and no man knew where it would end. 

The Board met on the 15th May, 1855. Many fruit- 
less hours were spent in the discussion of the question, 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 451 

but no nearer approach was made to a solution of the 
difficulty. On the 17th the Missionary Union itself 
met, Ex-Governor Briggs, of Massachusetts, its President, 
in the chair. 

The Rev. Mr. Jenks, a returned missionary, offered 
the following resolutions : — Resolved^ that the mission- 
aries of this Union are its agents, subject to its constitu- 
tional control. Resolved^ that this control has frequent- 
ly been exercised with too little regard to the rights and 
feelings of the missionaries themselves." These resolu- 
tions were lost. 

Mr. Cone then proposed his resolutions, which were 
supported by Dr. Stow. They were referred to a large 
committee, and finally passed, as reported by the com- 
mittee in the following words : 

" Inasmuch as grave differences of opinion exist be- 
tween certain of our missionaries and the executive 
officers of the Board, as to their respective rights and 
duties, and the best means of conducting our missionary 
operations ; and inasmuch as these difficulties have 
seriously affected the confidence of some of our patrons, 
and curtailed our pecuniary resources ; and, inasmuch 
as the work of evangelizing the heathen cannot be 
abandoned, and must not be interrupted ; your commit- 
tee present the following as the basis of action in the 
premises : ^ 

"- We deem the relation between the Board and its 
missionaries, and the rules set forth in the docnments 
submitted to the Union, and by the Union to this com- 
mittee, at this anniversary, by which they are mutually 
to be governed in these relations, to be explicit and 
sound, and such as, if rightly adhered to, will secure 
harmony and peace in carrying forward the work to 
which they are especially devoted. 

It is, we think, clear that the authority of the Board 



452 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

is absolute over all the interests of the missions submit- 
ted to their care. But, at the same time, their autho- 
rity is limited, and as used in the prosecution of their 
work, and in connection with their missionaries and 
agents, must be exercised under the rules by which the 
parties are to be governed. To what extent these rules 
have been disregarded, either by the executive or the 
missionaries, it is not the province of your committee to 
determine. We deem it advisable to recommend to the 
Union the adoption of the following resolutions : 

^^Besolved^ That the Union recommend that a committee of one 
from each State in the home-field be appointed by the Board of 
Managers, to whom all these differences and difficulties shall be 
referred ; and that it be the duty of this committee to give a patient 
and attentive hearing to all that shall be offered by all the parties 
interested, and to make all suitable investigation touching the mat- 
ters involved, and report to the Board of Managers at the next 
annual meeting, or sooner, if deemed by them expedient, provided 
that in any and all matters of difference now existing between mis- 
sionaries and the Executive Committee, the Executive Committee 
act with the advice of the committee now appointed. 

2. Eesohed^ That this Union, in confiding as heretofore to the 
Board of Managers, its Executive Committee, officers and mission- 
aries, the work of the body, with every assurance of united sympa- 
thy, support, and co-operation, will take immediate measures for 
the full payment of the existing debt, and for the enlargement 
of our missionary operations, as the providence of God may 
direct." 

1. Resohed^ That the measure be set forth to the churches at home 
and the missionaries abroad, as the nearest approach to a perfect 
concihation which at present can be attained, and as a basis for the 
persevering and liberal co-operation of the friends of missions. 

Thus, his original suggestion, rejected by the special 
meeting of the Board, was adopted, and became the 
rule of action of the parent body ; the excitement was 
calmed ; brethren reconciled ; difficulties smoothed 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOrGHTON CONE. 453 

away, and tlie great cause of missions apparently 
rescued from danger. ^ 

To fuUj^ understand the position he occupied there, 
and to justify the warm encomiums upon his conduct, 
uttered by so many of his brethren, it is necessary to 
glance at circumstances which had lately occurred in 
connection with the Home Mission Society. 

He had been the subject, for some time, of much 
harsh and unchristian treatment. Just before leaving 
New York to attend the meetings in Chicago he had 
been compelled by the circumstances in which that 
treatment and the attitude it assumed, placed him, to 
resign the office of chairman of the executive board 
the American Home Mission of Society, a position 
he had occupied with very little interruption from 
the time of the organization of the society. In 
his letter of resignation he entered without reserve 
into the reasons which governed his decision. He 
stated that the board of the Home Mission Society 
had become tenants of the American and Foreign Bible 
Society in their marble building in Nassau street con- 
trary to the instructions of the society issued at its 
annual meeting at Troy, and directing the Board to 
secure an independent location ; contrary to numerous 
petitions and remonstrances from old and fast friends of 
the society, all which had been treated with contempt ; 
that the purpose, if persisted in, would drive away, and 
alienate v/hoUy, many valuable friends of the society ; 
that every proposition for an independent location had 
been rejected, a majority of the Board having proclaimed 
their resolve to go to the building in Nassau street, 
whatever the obstacle ; that it was his conviction the 
business of the society could not be harmoniously and 
successfully carried on in that place ; the appointment 



454: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

of their annual meeting for the same day of the year, as 
that of the American Bible Union, and at another 
extremity of the country, was the first instance, in the 
history of the benevolent institutions of the denomina- 
tion, of an intentional collision ; and for all these reasons, 
and many more, any further hesitation on his part 
must be regarded as indifference to principle, or neglect 
of the proceedings of the Board, therefore he was con- 
strained to resign. 

In support of these his views, a meeting of upwards 
oiffty pastors of Baptist churches in Boston and its vicin- 
ity signed a remonstrance, and forwarded it to the Board, 
recommending the selection of an independent location. 

A sad event is connected with his history as chairman 
of the Home Mission Board. It was in that character, 
and during the last year of his life, after so long and 
varied a career, after sixty years' intercourse with all 
manner and conditions of men, that for the first ana 
only time^ he received a direct personal insult. Tlie 
author of the insult to the old man, to him to whom grej^- 
haired preachers of the Gospel loved to look up as a 
father in the faith and services of their common Lord, 
was a yoitng member of the Board. If he be a true 
Christian he may pray for his master's forgiveness ; his 
own he can scarcely hope to obtain^ 

For the following able sketch of Mr. Cone's general 
course in the meetings at Chicago, and the skeleton of 
the speech delivered by him on the floor of the " Union," 
a speech which decided the question at issue in the 
minds of a controlling majority of its members, we are 
indebted to the Hon. George N. Briggs, formerly gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts, president of the Union. 

" I am very sorry" he says, '' that I am not able to do 
more than to give a very partial account of the words 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON CONE. 455 

and acts of your venerated father at the meeting of the 
Baptist Missionary Union at Chicago in May last. 

" I did not arrive at Chicago until late in the evening 
of the second day of the anniversary, and I think I saw 
your father but twice whilst I was there. 

" In the morning of the third day, at a meeting of the 
Board before the hour for the meeting of the Union had 
arrived I heard him make a few remarks on some sub- 
ject that was before the Board. His apparent feebleness 
surprised and struck me sadly. After that I do not 
remember that I observed him again until the last day 
of the session. 

" He obtained the floor, and proceeded in a course of 
remarks, which commanded the attention, and excited a 
deep interest in the audience. In very appropriate and 
touching terms, he alluded to the early days of the 
existence of the convention, before the missionary 
operations of the Baptists took the form and name of 
the Union. 

"In a very feeling manner he spoke of those brethren 
in the ministry, who were dear to his memory, and with 
whom he so long and so cordially labored in the mis- 
sionary cause. He said, and in a voice stifled with 
emotion, that he had been anxiously looking round for 
those, who with him in other days constituted what was 
called the old guard. But they were all gone. He 
onlv was left, and he felt that his work w^as almost done. 
He then spoke of the difficulties which at that time 
were unhappily disturbing the counsels of the Union, 
and disuniting the attention of the friends of missions 
from the great and noble object which they all had so 
much at heart. He expressed ia strong desire and wish 
that before he should take his departure from them and 
follow those tried friends who had gone before him into 
another world, ho might say or do something which 



456 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

would tend to heal existing divisions, and restore har- 
mony and concord among them. He said the state of 
things had been to him a subject of much anxiety and 
pain, and he had put into form, propositions which 
he wished to submit to the consideration of the Union, 
and which in his judgment were the best calculated of 
anything which had occurred to his mind, to produce 
such a result as he was sure all persons were most anx- 
ious to see produced. 

*' He submitted his propositions, which appear upon the 
journals of the Union, and after a few additional remarks, 
said he should leave then to be disposed of by others. 

"His short address, with the tone and spirit with 
which it was uttered, evidently made a deep impression 
upon the assembly who listened to it. Several members 
suggested some formal amendments to the paper submit- 
ted, and he was asked if he would consent to some verbal 
modifications which had been proposed. He replied, 
that he made no objection to any verbal alterations 
which did not affect the substance of his propositions; 
and remarked further, that he had submitted what he 
believed best calculated to bring to an amicable termi- 
nation, the unfortunate difiiculties which existed, and 
had said what he felt his duty to say, and then the 
whole matter was in the hands of his brethren of the 
Union, to do with it what they thought best. 

"After various propositions from different persons, 
and some discussion, the whole subject was referred to 
a committee, of which he was a member. That com- 
mittee reported to the Union, resolutions which em- 
braced substantially the original propositions of Dr. 
Cone, with some things in addition, and their report was 
adopted by the Union. 

" The whole of tliat disturbing and threatening sub- 
ject is now in the hands of a large committee, appointed 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 457 

by the order of the Union ; what will be the result, the 
friends of missions and of humanity are waiting to learn. 

" I am quite sure, if all of us members of the Ameri- 
can Baptist Missionary Union, and its missions, upon 
whom rests the responsibility of settling the disagreeable 
differences which were the subject of the proposition 
of our departed friend and brother, could be actuated 
by that spirit which actuated him on that occasion, 
those differences would not long remain as obstructions 
in our path of duty, and in our course of usefulness. 

" I do not profess, in the very imperfect account of 
what I have related, to have given the precise words 
used by Dr. Cone. But I believe I have correctly 
stated the substance of what he said, and did, and used 
raucli of the language that he used. 

" It was the lovely Christian spirit which he mani- 
fested, in what I thought he sorrowfully felt to be 
his last acts and his last words to the assembled breth- 
ren of a great Christian association, in whose cause 
he had exerted the vigor of his manhood, and the best 
energies of his life, which I own, deeply rdoved and 
affected my heart. His pale face, his emaciated and 
feeble frame, the unnatural brilliancy of his fine eje, 
and the softened tones of his clear voice, were to me so 
many melancholy witnesses that we were looking upon 
him, and listening to him for the last time. I know that 
others concurred with me in these gloomy forebodings. 
Death had set his seal upon him, and the news that so 
soon followed, that death had smitten down his victim, 
was not surprising. 

"Whilst his propositions were under discussion I beck- 
oned him to the chair which I was occupying ; I told 
him I wished most heartily, to thank him for offering 
what I regarded as the olive branch on the subject of the 
difficulties which were hurting the Union, and for the 

20 



458 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

Christian spirit, and kind words with which he had 
presented it, and that I hoped, his plan would be 
adopted, and that under Providence it might lead to a 
happy termination of all our diflficnlties. He said, those 
were the views, and that was the hope which had 
induced him to move in the matter, and he trusted 
Heaven would bless the effort. As he bowed and 
turned away, I looked upon him for the last time. 

" It is fit that others should speak of what earth has 
lost, and Heaven gained by the departure of this good 
man from amongst us." 

The "feebleness" alluded to by Governor Briggs, 
arose from an attack of illness which followed his journey 
to Chicago. For two days preceding that meeting, he had 
suffered terribly ; spasms of pain in the chest and pit of 
the stomach, almost beyond endurance, had shaken his 
entire system. The mind compelled the body, however, 
to obey, and he went from a sick room to stand in the 
breach between his brethren. His son supported him 
to the place of meeting, and when he rose to speak, his 
weakness was such, that he expected every moment to 
see him sink down. Those who listened to him, did not 
know at what an expense of life he was playing the 
mediator of conflicting interests. 

Hundreds of his brethren, who knew what he had 
gone through, expressed their admiration of the Christ- 
ian and the man ; but none have uttered the warm 
feelings of the heart, or expressed a noble sympathy in 
more eloquent language, than the Rev. George W. 
Eaton, of Madison University, in the address delivered 
by him before the American Bible Union, at its anni- 
versary, in 1856. 

" I am constrained," he said, '' to pause here by the 
rising image of a venerable form, whose image enshrin- 
ed in our ' heart of hearts,' is now, alas, all that is left 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 459 

"US of tLat form, to make a personal application of these 
remarks. I can do it now without offence, for he is far 
beyond the praises or censures of his brethren. They 
are alike indifferent to him who has heard his praises 
from the lips of his Divine Master, whom he served so 
faithfully through good and through evil report, in the 
conflicts of His militant kingdom, and been crowned by 
Him in the presence of His holy angels, and Redeemed 
in glory. I need not name him. "Whose thoughts are 
not even now full of him ? Whose heart is not heavy, 
with the swelling emotion of sorrow, as, he seeks in 
vain, in his wonted place, for that beloved form whose 
very presence in our meetings was a strength and a 
joy ; and the thought rises that he shall ' see his face no 
more ;' no more hear that familiar voice which ever 
rung like a clarion-peal in defence and advocacy of the 
highest and holiest truth, in enforcement of unswerving 
fidelity to that truth, and in cheer and encouragement 
to its faithful friends, and whose very name and advo- 
cacy were a guarantee of success to every enterprise 
and principle to which he gave his heart and soul. Of 
all those to whose character and services I have been 
attempting to render a feeble tribute, he was by the 
spontaneous consent of all — 'facile princeps^^ 'facile 
princejps,^ — Beyond dispute the chief — beyond dispute 
THE Chief. O, may his mantle have fallen as he passed 
upward in the chariot of God, upon some surviving 
Elisha, in the cause he loved so well, and whose certain 
and glorious triumph he saw in the vista of the future, 
ere he went up to receive his crown. 

" I would also, have the friends of the American 
Bible Union instructed and admonished by the example 
of their late illustrious and now sainted president, who, in 
the meetings at Chicago, soon after he had been tho 
selected mark of a very extraordinary personal attack, 



460 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

manifested most beautifully and impressively tlie meek- 
ness and peace-loving spirit of the Gospel of Christ — 
who, forgiving and forgetting his own personal wrongs, 
stood forth l)efore Israel as the peace-maker among 
divided brethren, and with all the power and fervor 
and peculiar eloquence of his best days, plead the cause 
of Christian charity and benevolence, and of a perishing 
world. How felicitous was that last opportunity in his 
long and eventful life, in kind Providence given, to 
vindicate before his assembled brethren and the Christ- 
ian world, his undiminished claim to their confidence, 
honor, and love. Who that witnessed, can forget the 
appearance and the voice of the venerable man, as he 
stood in the midst of the assembled representatives of a 
great people, his form slightly stooped, and his bushy 
locks whitened by age and hard service, uttering, in 
silvery tones, gracious words of wisdom, of love, and of 
fraternal charity, and waving in his uplifted hand the 
olive-iranch of peace, which he had wrought out of the 
resources of his sanctified sagacity and rich experience 
as the initiative to the adjustment of a most sore and 
calamitous strife, which had appalled and perplexed the 
wisest and best in Zion. That scene was prophetic. 
Without his or our knowing it, he was even then fanned 
by gales from the Heavenly City, through whose pearly 
gates he was so soon to pass, and their odors were 
diffused around him. May God have mercy on the 
man who can cherish ought but honor, love, and grati- 
tude for the character and services of Spencer H. 
Cone." 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 461 



CHAPTEE XXIY. 



LOVE STRONaER THAN DEATH. 



l^Ew York never agreed with Mrs. Cone's healtli. 
The winters of a northern climate were too severe for a 
constitution naturally delicate, and lungs easily affected 
by atmospheric changes. In winter she was usually a 
close prisoner at home, and never perfectly well whilst 
the cold weather lasted. Several times during her 
residence in New York she was so severely attacked by 
inflammation of the lungs, as to render her removal to 
a milder climate necessary, so soon as the disease was 
sufficiently arrested to allow the fatigue of travelling. 
In summer time Schooley's Mountain, New Jersey, was 
a favorite resort of both her husband and herself. He 
found there, for the three or four weeks of rest he per- 
mitted himself during the heats of August, the recruit- 
ment he so much needed. He breathed there his native 
air, and he regained his strength more rapidly than any 
where else. 

It is a famous watering-place, and within the last four 
or five years much crowded. When they were first in 
the habit of spending the summer there, the visitors 
were comparatively few, and principally people from 
Charleston, Baltimore and Philadelphia, amongst whom 
were many of their early friends and acquaintance. 

In addition to escaping for a few weeks from the 
thronging avocations of his life, he enjoyed there a 
quiet, the most retired country spot in the land would 
have failed to afford him. They always had their own 



462 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

little room. Nobody came near it. Everybody knew 
him and his habits, and with the delicate sense of pro- 
priety, which is, perhaps, the best thing learned in 
society, carefully abstained from intruding on them. A 
few books on some important subject, about which he 
wished to get up a '' report," or formalize a plan, were 
his companions, and liberated entirely from the harass- 
ing interruptions to which every moment of his time at 
home was exposed, he prepared his work, and, as may 
be seen by many important letters already quoted, wrote 
up his widely-scattered correspondence. It may be 
well to remark here with regard to his correspondence, 
that we have not pretended even to give an abstract of 
it. Extending over nearly forty years, directed to 
every quarter of the globe, and occupied with every 
subject of benevolent enterprise or denominational 
interest, it would, of itself alone, have filled several 
volumes, if collected together. In a notice of so varied 
and important a " life," it would have been entirely 
impossible to do so. 

When tired of writing he would now and then take a 
turn up and down the long piazza of the hotel, or arm 
and arm with his inseparable companion, for they never 
tired of each other's company, stroll slowly away through 
the woody walks, and pleasant solitudes of the plateau, 
upon the mountain top, where the hotels are built. 
Five minutes brought them, in any direction, to a seclu- 
sion as complete, as if they had been a thousand miles 
away from the scenes of civilized life. There was one 
particular spot he always sought at the going down of 
the sun. It was a point from which its last rays could 
be seen, coloring the undulating line of hills which lay 
beyond the deep valley below. There he would stand 
quite alone, sometimes for an hour, watching the glories 
of the sunset, till the crimson and gold faded into their 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOIJGHTON CONE. 463 

lines of misty grey. He seemed at such times to be so 
full of quiet and heavetily contemplation that if, by 
accident, we came near where he was, we passed on. 
We knew the temper of his mind, and how sweetly 
then, with how full a soul, he was dwelling upon the 
perfection of the Creator, and adoring Him in His 
works. 

Frequently, at the desire of a great number of the 
visitors, one of the parlors was set apart for prayers, and 
all who desired went in whilst he read a chapter in the 
Bible and offered a prayer. Many men and women 
kneeled and listened there to what they had perhaps 
never heard before, for in his public prayers, as in his 
sermons, the way of salvation for sinners through the 
alone merits' sake of the blood of Christ was very plainly 
preached. After that, and never later than half past 
nine, he retired to sleep. Next day he rose betimes 
and wrote or walked out through the fields and woods 
till breakfast time — and so the day passed. On the 
Sabbath he usually preached in the little stone chapel, 
which stands a hundred yards or so from the mountain 
Houses. Writing to his sister Martha from Schooley's 
Mountain, he says : 

'^I preached to a very fashionable, and attentive 
audience last Sunday morning from Luke — last four 
verses — and dwelt particularly upon the divinity of 
Christ, and the joy ajid fortitude of those who worship 
Him in spirit and in truth. My heart was enlarged, 
and seeing before me two or three hundred of the 
fashionables of our country, who, perhaps seldom hear 
the Gospel of the Grace of God, and who under other 
circumstances would probably never have heard me, I 
could not but hope that some precious soul might be 
benefited. The rich are generally envied ! but oh, it 
is a melancholy thought, that it is easier for a camel to 



464 LIFE OF SPENCER HOrGHTON CONE. 

pass througli the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to 
enter into the kingdom of Heaven! How soon, oh 
how soon, in most instances, the pnrple and fine linen 
are changed for the garments of despair." 

Another time : 

"I rode eight or nine miles yesterday along the 
mountain, and preached to a little Baptist church with 
much comfort." 

In a letter written from there the next year, he says : 
"Last Lord's day I rested, and now begin to feel like 
preaching again. But do you know that I begin to 
understand what grey hairs mean? I am an old man. 
My brethren in the ministry call me their venerable 
brother and father. Only think of it. It seems but 
yesterday when we were playing children in Princeton. 
Now I am old and grey-headed. O, Lord, forsake me 
not ! Thou hast been the guide of my youth, and my 
prayer shall be to the God of my life." 

Many meetings there brought back old times and 
feelings. ''Lawyer M.," he says, " and family, have 
been here since our arrival. They introduced them- 
selves very soon as part of the old W. family, and then 
you know as I had to go back to my old Dr. Abercombie 
connection, 1802 — 1806, it seemed to threaten to get the 
ladies out of their teens sooner than they were aware. 
But then it was so easy to remember that they were 
wild and very young chits of girls, while I was quite 
old ! An old schoolmaster oi fifteen. But no matter ; I 
am old now — pressing on to the three score years. 
Whether the ten will be added the Lord only knows, 
and in His hands most cheerfully I leave it. He hath 
done all things well, and it is my daily prayer and my 
heartfelt desire to praise Him for all that is past, and to 
trust Him for all that is to come." 

Mr. and Mrs. Cone spent many quiet happy hours 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 465 

together there. She suffered, however, constantly, for 
five years, with ulcerated mouth and tongue. Medicine 
would not reach it. The air and chalybeate waters of 
the mineral spring, for which the mountain is famous, 
partially relieved her, but the disease remained. 

Early in August, 1854, a strange presentiment 
seemed to forewarn her. Riding out with him one day, 
they passed the little secluded cemetery at Pleasant 
Grove, about three miles from the mountain, and a 
stone's throw from a little knot of houses called Anderson 
Town. She made him stop, and after looking long and 
wistfully over the place, and marking all its peculiari- 
ties of quiet and seclusion, she said : '^ Spencer, I have 
a horror of city burying-places. They do not let even 
the dead rest, near cities. Promise me, when I am 
dead, that you will lay me here — here in this quiet 
place!" and he promised her. 

Only a few days after she was attacked by typhoid 
fever. Her husband and her son nursed her — how ten- 
derly we need not say. She was all the world to them, 
the comfort and idol of their lives. 

Her husband spoke cheeringly to her about change 
of air, and taking her home to New York as soon as she 
was able to be moved. She answered quietly. " I shall 
go home — to heaven — from the mountain this time, 
dearest !" 

And, indeed, upon the 15th day of August, 1854, she 
went home. They saw that she was dying, and her 
husband leaned down, and asked her if Jesus was with 
her for the way through the dark valley. She looked 
happily into his eyes, and whispered her Saviour's 
name. She never spoke again, and about ten o'clock at 
night fell asleep in Him. 

"When his son carne into his room, and found him 
sitting alone, his head bowed listlessly upon his breast ; 

20^ 



466 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

he turned to him, and seeing him weep, said softly: 
" Weep on, my boy, you are young. Your poor old 
father has not been able to weep yet," and then we felt 
more bitterly for him who was left desolate, than for 
her who had gone before. 

And the next day, as there was none else to do it for 
her, he stood by her coffin in the little chapel, and 
preached Christ to the people, with such a strange, 
unnatural power and calmness, it was almost as if one 
dead had been speaking to the living. What words he 
said we know not. Our minds were, alas ! too full of 
busy sorrows to take them in ; but the place was full of 
men and women of the world, and they heard and 
remembered. That act by which all selfish weakness 
was put aside until a holy duty was performed, and the 
supreme sacrifice and off*ering of human love was made 
for her, seemed to them, w^hat indeed it was, an un- 
equalled spectacle of Christian heroism. There was, 
perhaps, hardly any there in whom the sentiments of 
religion commonly awoke a tender feeling ; and yet, not 
women only, but hard and careless men of the world, to 
whom fashion and amusement was the sole business of 
life, bowed their heads, and wept like children. And 
one, a woman, on whom fortune and fashion have 
lavished all their gifts, a woman yet young, and with 
all the world's desires at her feet, said to us afterwards : 
'^ As I sat there, and saw that astonishing exhibition of 
heroic love, nothing but shame kept me from shrieking 
aloud. You must not sorrow for her. If I could die as 
she did, I would pray to die to-night !" 

And we buried her in the little grave-yard at 
Pleasant Grove. What sustained her husband, and 
made the broken-hearted stronger than they who had 
known no sorrow ? 

" Dear Brother " — he says to his friend Baron Stow, 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTO:^' CONE. 467 

" my loss is indeed great — irreparable ! My dear Sally 
was one of the best of wives. True and faithful ; indus- 
trious and loving ; making her house a place of rest and 
happiness for her husband always, for more than forty- 
one years, whatever might have been the occasional trials 
and annoyances without — whatever the toils and anxie- 
ties of a pastor's life ; and you will believe that mine 
have not been few. I am left alone, and yet not 
alone, for Christ is with me ; his rod and staff they com- 
fort me. 

" I received the last sigh of my darling, and parted 
from her without a tear, and spoke at her burial with 
holy confidence and joy. Do you ask how was this? 
Through Grace that strengthened me. An overwhelm- 
ing sense of gratitude to God for giving me such a wife 
— for lending her to me so long — for llessing her with 
the assurance of faith and hope unto the end — and for 
taking her at last from sin and sorrow and sickness and 
pain, to the mansions of peace and holiness and joy! 
made my cup of bliss full even to overflowing, and I 
could say with David., from my inmost soul, ' Oh God, 
my heart is fixed ! my heart is fixed ! I will sing and 
give praise !' " 

And to his early companion in arms, and afterwards 
in the ministry — Dr. Dagg: 

" The Lord has indeed removed from me the desire 
of my eyes with a stroke ! My best earthly friend ; the 
mother of my children ; the wife of my youth and of 
my old age. It was a heavy stroke, but I remembered 
that the hand which inflicted the blow was that same 
hand that was nailed to the Cross for me^ for her^ and 
I was dumb — I opened not my mouth to complain ; I 
shed no tear ; I was a wonder, not only to many ; but 
most — most of all to myself. I have not language to 
tell you how the Lord has been a present help in the 



468 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

time of trouble, and has strengtbened me by a bereave- 
ment wbicb, when anticipated only, I have for years 
thought wonld well-nigh break my doating heart. 

" When I held her hand and heard her last sigh, and 
all was still as death, I was filled, in the twinkling of 
an eye, with an overwhelming sense of gratitude to 
God that He had given me such a wife, and had lent 
her to me so long ! And my joy of soul w^as equal to 
my gratitude, when I saw her released from sorrow, 
pain and sin ; and in the exercise of faith and hope and 
love, could follow her emancipated spirit home to the 
mansions of peace and holiness and rest. 

" Two passages of sacred Scripture came to me with 
omnipotent sweetness. " How precious are tJiy thoughts 
imto me O God !' and — ' So He giveth His beloved 
sleep.' 

'' What I now feel but cannot describe is loneliness. I 
come home from my work, and go into the parlor — she, 
who was emphatically ' a keeper at home,' is not there! 
I go to the bed-room, to the table, she is not there — 
but still I am supported by the everlasting arms. The 
crook and staff of the good Shepherd, they comfort 
me. 

" You ask if my views have changed with reference to 
what are usually known as ^The doctrines of Grace.' 
Not a jot. The 10th of John, and 8th of Romans, and 
1st and 2nd of Ephesians are dear to me as ever. Grace 
reigning through righteousness unto eternal life by 
Jesus Christ our Lord, is the only plan by which sinners 
can be saved. If I am not complete in Christ, I have 
no hope of ever entering into the mansions of bliss. 
But I hear him say, ' Because I live ^''e shall live also,' 
and then I reply with holy boldness, surely I shall 
dwell in the house of the Lord for ever ! 

" I shall be 70 if I live till the 30th of April next, and 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 469 

find my pastoral labors, with Board meetings, &C.5 quite 
as much as I can stagger under ; but I mean^ in spite 
of earth or hell, to die on the field of battle. This is 
what I mean to do^ but whether it will turn out to be 
so — I cannot tell ; the Lord knoweth. 

"When you have leisure, write to me. Tour letter 
was a great comfort to me. Christian sympathy is a 
reality — it is needed- — it is in accordance with the yearn- 
ings of the inner-man. Else, why did Christ take Peter, 
and James, and John, to watch and pray with him in 
the Garden ? They fell asleep, I know, but that may 
serve to show how far ^ but no further, human sympathy 
may go, and direct us after all, and above all, to look to 
Him whose eyes do neither slumber nor sleep. 

" I have been going back to Yirginia all the evening, 
1816— what a memorable year! My dear Sally and 
many others that year, and the next, were immersed in 
the Potomac. Sweet seasons ! I thank God for them — 
they will never return ; young has passed away, and 
old has come. 

" Farewell, dear friends of my early Christian life ; if 
we are not to meet again on earth, I trust we shall meet 
in Heaven ! 

" As ever, thine, in the Crucified One !" 



470 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 



CHAPTER XXY. 

After his return from Cliicago, in May, 1855, there 
was an evident change in him. "We did not notice it so 
mnch at home as strangers did. When we were with 
him in the house he was always so lively and pleasant, 
that he quite deceived us as to the real state of his 
health. He would often say, " I am getting old, boys, 
and feel hard work more than I used to do." But he 
went about his work just as he had always done: 
and, indeed, during that last year did more than ever, 
preaching oftener, and with greater fire and energy, if 
possible, and busying himself every hour of the day 
with some of the manifold duties which were laid upcyi 
him. Going by the study door, however, in the evening 
we would see him sitting in his arm-chair, his head 
thrown listlessly back, and his whole figure wearing an 
appearance of weakness and exhaustion. Attributing 
it to his loneliness, for whilst she lived his wife 
always sat in the room with him in the evening, busy 
with her sewing or book, whilst he paced the fioor back- 
wards and forwards, talking to himself in an under- 
tone : attributing it to her absence from the accustomed 
seat, rather than to a failure of his own physical powers, 
we would leave our own purposes for the evening, and 
go in and chat with him. He always rallied at once, 
and fell into animated conversation on matters of gene- 
ral interest. We never talked about mother. Each of 
us knew that the other was thinking more about her than 
about what we were talking of; but with a pardonable 
insincerity, we all pretended to be absorbed in the 



LIFE OF SPENCEK HOUGHTON GONE. 471 

question of the minute ; and each fancied that he had 
deceived the other in believing that all was well about 
the heart. 

Dr. Armitage has told, alas ! too truly how the blow 
fell upon him whose comforter she had been through all 
the changing scenes of an eventful life. 

" From the death of Mrs. Cone, in August, 1854, he 
felt that his own work was nearly done. When she who 
had stood by his side in all the changes of forty years 
was taken away, he realized, as he never had before, 
that human life is bounded by three score years and ten, 
and that his foot rested on the margin of those bounds. 
The pain of that event made him tread the few paces 
that were left more heavily, and he could not have 
endured it for a day, but for the special support which 
he drew from the precious promises of Christ. Nay, 
with all these consolations, it was a blow from which he 
never fully recovered. No man could be more devoted 
to his wife than Dr. Cone was to her whom he so ten- 
derly characterizes, as, " The wife of my youth, the com- 
panion of my age, the sharer of my sorrows and my 
joys; affectionate, faithful, and true, her price was 
above rubies." 

" I can never forget a scene which occurred in my 
own pulpit on the 4th of June last, illustrative of his 
deep sorrow under this bereavement. A young minis- 
had lost his wife, and had brought her to the house 
of God where she formerly worshipped, that we might 
celebrate her funeral services. Dr. Cone was present, 
and rose in the pulpit to address the friends. But as he 
opened his mouth to speak, his eye caught a glance of 
the young brother, quivering with suppressed grief 
before the coffin of his sleeping wife. The sight was 
too much for his very sensitive heart, and he was over- 
whelmed. For some mopients he stood unable to utter 



472 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

a word. The big tears came pouring down his cheeks, 
and he attempted to brace himself against his emotions, 
in his own peculiar way, but failed. At length, regain- 
ing perfect control of his heart, he said, in tones of 
hallowed tenderness, " It is hard to bury a young wife, 
my dear brother. But when you have lived with one 
forty and two years — the wife of your youth, the mother 
of your children, the companion of your lonely hours, 
the undeviating and always reliable friend of your 
whole life — then, indeed, the stroke is heavy ^ '■ 

On the Sabbath, being the 5th day of August, he 
baptized in the morning, and when he came home, 
appeared quite tired out. At dinner he complained of 
numbness in his limbs, and especially in his left arm. 
We felt no serious apprehensions, however. He had had 
during his life several slight attacks of bilious fever, 
preceded by the same symptoms. So we told him that 
he ought to be careful, and recollect that his bilious 
attacks always commenced that way. We tried very 
hard to persuade him to stay at home for the rest of that 
day, and let us tell the deacons that they must get a 
supply for the pulpit. But he would not listen to us. 
He had to break bread in the afternoon, he said; it 
would wear off; he often felt very sick before he began 
to preach, but preaching cured him ; and that afternoon 
he preached his last Sabbath sermon, from the text 
" No man cometh unto the Father but by me," and 
commemorated for the last time, with the people of his 
heart, the dying love of that Saviour, unto whom his 
prayer for many months had been " even so. Lord 
Jesus, come quickly !" 

He spoke again for them at the prayer-meeting on 
Tuesday evening, and some have said since, that he 
seemed to have a difficulty they had never observed 
before, in fixing his mind upon the subject, and spoke 



LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 473 

several times during the lecture iu a rambling and 
uncertain way. 

On the Oth, Mr. Gwathney, of Yirginia, an old friend, 
called on him, and he said : " I have been working 
very hard and incessantly, from the age of fourteen till 
now, and now I begin to feel that my work is done." 

On the morning of the 10th, after breakfast, all that 
was left of the little family came into the study as usual 
to morning worship. Sometimes he would read a chap- 
ter from the Bible himself, and sometimes ask one of 
us to read. Latterly, indeed, he almost always said to 
one of us, " Read a chapter, my son — read us one of 
those sweet psalms of David." It may have been 
merely fancy, but we used to think he liked to hear our 
voices repeating the words of the book, and felt as if so 
he drew his children closer with him around the family 
altar. 

That morning, however, he took the book and began 
to read. Twice during the reading he stopped, as if a 
blur passed over his sight. We were surprised at it, for 
it was very unusual, and the idea that he was threat- 
ened with a bilious attack was strengthened. After 
reading, he knelt and prayed. His prayer was so unu- 
sual that it made an immediate impression. Ordinarily 
he prayed for the prosperity of the cause of Christ ; for 
his beloved country ; for all who were near and dear to 
him by the tender ties of consanguinity or affection ; 
for strength and counsel from above to do the work his 
Master gave him to do ; for guidance through the day ; 
for humility and singleness of heart ; but now he prayed 
for none of these things. His prayer was one earnest, 
almost passionate supplication for himself. Like Jacob, 
he seemed wrestling with God at the foot of the ladder, 
-and saying, " I will ru)t let Thee go except Thou bless 
me." He had been set as an under-shepherd over the 



474: LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

flock, and he asked to be permitted to give up his 
charge into the hands of the Good Shepherd. He had 
been set as a watchman upon the walls of Zion, and 
he prayed that he might be found free from the blood 
of all men. He had been made a steward and a servant 
of the Most High, and acknowledging all his unworthi- 
ness, all his Aveakness — entreating his Master to forgive 
the unprofitable servant, to pardon the steward if he 
had hidden any talent given to his keeping, he prayed 
with touching humility that in some few things, at least, 
he might not be found unfaithful. 

It was his last audible prayer. As he kneeled, his Lord 
had said to him : " Servant, thy work is done. Son, 
come up higher." 

He went up stairs into his chamber to make some 
change in his dress. His son was in the next room. 
Hearing a step, he turned and saw him standing near 
the door, very pale, and trying to button his waistcoat. 
He went hastily to him, exclaiming, " "What is the mat- 
ter with you, father?" 

" I believe you must button it for me, my son ; my 
hand is very numb." His son put his arm around him, 
and stopped to do as he desired. As he did so, his 
father said, "I am very sick," and looking up, his son 
saw the change pass over his face, and felt his limbs 
stiffen. His arms were around him, or he would have 
fallen. He laid him on the bed, and just at that 
moment Deacon Hillman, one of his most attached 
friends, came into the house. He was immediately 
called up to the chamber, and together they undressed 
him, and rubbed his paralyzed limbs and side. As 
they were doing so, he said to the deacon : " I have 
kept on the harness till my work is done. The spirit of 
a man will sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit 
who can bear? £ut I have no wounded sj>irit. What 



LIFE OF SPENCEft HOUGHTON CONE. 475 

a blessed thing it is to know that when we leave this 
world, we are going to a better place." 

Dr. Thomas Markoe was immediately called in, and 
a telegraphic dispatch sent to Dr. Devan, who was in 
the country with his family. 

Dr. Devan, a bosom friend, and for many years the 
family physician, left everything on the instant to come 
to him ; sat by him ; scarcely left the house indeed for 
days, but slept a little, at night, in an adjoining room, 
until what was considered the crisis of the disease was 
over. All that human skill and kindness on the part of 
his physicians could do, was done. Human skill, how- 
ever was at fault ; the quiet comatose state into which 
he immediately fell, and which was for some time con- 
sidered favorable, never altered — he never rallied. 
"When spoken to about ordinary matters he would 
answer very briefly, for he articulated with great dif- 
ficulty. He answered always, sensibly. Active thought 
however was extinct ; he never went beyond the answer 
to the question. 

Dr. Devan tried several times to arouse his mind 
with regard to the church ; but it was in vain. He 
would make no answer, once only after the doctor had 
said, " I am going to the church — have yon anything to 
say to them ?" he looked after him as he went out, and 
said slowly, ''I should like to finish my exposition of 
the 22nd of Eevelation." 

With that exception he never mentioned anything 
relating to the matters in which his mind had been so 
long and ardently employed. The stroke seemed at 
once to have paralyzed both mind and body. 

It may have been a vain fancy on our part; but v/e 
could not help thinking the hand that struck him down 
at once, upon the battle field, was full of mercy. He 
had been so strong; so filled and overflowing with life 



476 LITE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

and energy; so active, every waking moment, that 
v^hen we saw him helpless, and the physicians told ns, 
" even if he recover, he will never preach or work 
again," we had no more hope of his life. Something in 
our hearts told us he had fallen as he longed to fall — 
" in the harness." His Master had honored his energy 
and activity so much, he had been so marked by it, 
that we felt he would not try him with lingering years 
of useless painful life. Dear as he was to us, we knew 
that he was dearer to his Lord. Our selfish love would 
have kept the faded form, to watch and tend, vain per- 
haps to think that he was all ours, and nothing else could 
come between him and our love. But He who loved 
him better than we could. He who died for him, would 
not suffer it to be so. He would not leave him in the 
world, after the work which He had given him to do 
was done. The everlasting crown was ready for him, 
and his Lord would have him wear it. And so, after 
he had lain very tranquil, and with scarce a groan or 
sigh, for eighteen days, on the morning of the nine- 
teenth, which was the 28th day of August, 1855, he fell 
into a deep sleep — and was not, for God took him. 

Only a little while before, we went together to lay his 
granddaughter Alice on her grandmother's bosom, at 
Pleasant Grove. The coffin was enclosed in a plain 
pine box. The father of the child took it in his arms to 
carry it from the cars to the carriage. As he did so 
one of the men about the depot stepped up kindly and 
asked to help him. After we had laid it in the carriage 
we saw father put a small piece of gold in his hand. 
The man looked up surprised, and hesitated to take it. 
Father shut his hand on it, and motioned him gently 
away — saying, " The thing you touched was very pre- 
cious to us — she was worth more than gold — keep it." 

And now our father, and our mother, and their little 



4:77 LIFE OF SPENCER HOUGHTON CONE. 

grandcliild, lie side by side in the quiet burial-place, far 
away among the hills of his native State. But the least 
of them does ever behold her Father's face in heaven, 
and they all have entered into the holiest, by a new 
and living way ; by the blood of Jesus Christ which 
cleanseth from all sin. 



THE END 



APPEI^DIX I. 479 



APPENDIX I. 

The following kind note from President Wayland, of 
Brown University, was mislaid, and we did not find it 
until after the entire volume had been stereotyped. It 
should properly have been inserted in connection with 
Dr. S tow's communication on the subject of Foreign 
Missions, at page 313. 

PROVIDEXCE, JSTov. 20^^, 1855. 

^ "^ It would give me great pleasure to have it in 
my power to add anything to the interest of the memoir 
which you propose to publish, of the life and labors of 
your late honored father. I sincerely regret, however, 
that I have so few reminiscences that would be of ser- 
vice to you. 

I first became acquainted with your father, if I recol- 
lect aright, about the time of my settlement in Boston. 
Afterwards for several years, I used to meet him at our 
public anniversaries, over which he commonly, and very 
admirably presided. ^ ^ Of late I have been una- 
ble to attend those meetings so frequently, and I have 
met him but rarely. Indeed I do not remember to have 
conversed with him since the formation of the Missionary 
Union. On this occasion, we were, for several days, 
thrown much together. Every member of the commit- 
tee appointed to prepare the form of a constitution to 
be submitted to the public meeting, was struck with 
the frankness, kindness, and admirable judgment mani- 
fested by him on that occasion. When the draft was 
agreed upon, the duty of advocating it in the public 



480 APPEITDIX L 

debate, was, by common consent, assigned to him. Of 
the manner in which he performed this service there 
has never been but one opinion. I have frequently 
heard it remarked, that no man in our country, of any 
profession, could have done it so well. In all the dis- 
cussions, he exhibited great readiness and acuteness, 
with perfect knowledge of his subject and of his 
audience, enforcing his views with an irresistible elo- 
quence, which carried the final vote, without, I believe, 
a single dissenting voice. The adoption of that consti- 
tution was owing more to your father's efforts than to 
those of all the rest of us put together. Without him, I 
do not believe that it could have been carried. But 
this is not all ; in several points he differed somewhat 
from his brethren of the committee. But it was 
observed by us all with great admiration, that he advo- 
cated just as forcibly, and as eloquently, those articles 
in which he had not originally agreed with us, as those 
which had from the beginning met his approval. 

Magnanimity of this kind was perfectly in harmony 
with all that, by personal acquaintance, I have known 
of liis character. 



s 



APPENDIX n. 481 



APPENDIX 11. 

The following letter from Dr. Maclay, was handed to us, too 
late for insertion in the body of the memoir. Dr. Maclay 
informed us that owing to sickness, and engagements at a dis- 
tance, he was not able to give it to us at an earlier period. 
At his request, we insert it here. — Eds. 

Nbw York, 28^^. Jvm^, 1850. 
Dear Brother Cone : — 

The God whom we lore and serve, in the gospel of His son, ha3 
preserved our lives, and I trust, in some measure, our usefulness in main- 
taining and defending His truth, to a good old age ; while many of our com- 
panions and associates in the ministry have been removed from the field 
of labor to enter into that rest which remaineth for the people of God. 
It affords me great pleasure to reflect on the intimate and delightful 
intercourse which I have enjoyed with yourself and your predecessor in 
the ministry in this city, the venerable John Wilhams ; and with other 
excellent brethren with whom we were associated. There has been a 
cordial union of spirit and of action in all the great measures in which 
we have been engaged to advance the kingdom of our Lord. In the 
great conflict which we had in the American Bible Society with our Pedo- 
Baptist brethren, we were placed in the minority, for all the different 
denominations combined against us ; yet we remained unterrified by our 
adversaries, boldly maintaining, that the inspired originals were the only 
standard to the translators of the Sacred Scriptures, and that all their 
translations must be made, not in conformity to the jarring views of the 
different sects and parties embraced in that Institution, but in exact con- 
formity to the inspired oracles of God. We were nobly sustained, with a 
very few exceptions, by our Baptist brethren in England and America, in 
maintaining the great principle, that the Bible ought to be faithfully and 
completely translated into all the languages of the nations without 
human addition, diminution or concealment. We maintained, with the 
great body of our denomination, ministers and people, that all men ought 
to have the Bible in their own mother tongue, unmutilated and undis- 
guised. Our opponents charged us with great inconsistency in maintain- 
ing and defending the principle, that haptizo and its cognates ought to 

21 



482 APPENDIX IT. 

be faithfully translated in all our versions in heathen lands, while we con- 
tinued to circulate the common English version, in which the words rela- 
ting to the ordinance of baptism are transferred, and not translated. We 
felt the force of the objection, but replied that we had no hand in mak- 
ing our present English version ; it was made by Episcopahans to our 
hands. We thought, however, that great injustice was done to the truth 
of God, and to us as a denomination, in concealing by non-translation, 
from the great mass of the people for wdiose benefit the translation was 
designed, the true and full meaning of the original v/ords relative to the 
ordinance of baptism — giving them to the people in a language which 
they did not understand, instead of plain English. We then said most 
solemnly that the day might come, and we hoped was not distant, when 
the Baptists would give to the world a new and revised version of the 
Scriptures in the Enghsh language, which in our judgment was greatly 
needed ; allowing the great Teacher to speak to the people in their own 
mother tongue, in the great commission — " Go, disciple all nations, 
immersing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Spirit." I had long before that been convinced of the desirable- 
ness of a new, or revised version of the EngUsh Scriptures ; and from 
that time to the present my mind has been more deeply impressed with 
its importance. I had, in the course of my ministry, expounded thf 
whole of the New Testament and considerable portions of the Old Testa 
ment, examining carefully every chapter and every verse ; and all mjt 
experience satisfied me that a revision ought to be made, and the error? 
of our common version corrected. This conviction I have not only felt, 
but often avowed both publicly and privately for the last fifteen years. 

My reasons for desiring a revision are by no means confined to the 
ordinance of baptism ; for although the common version has many excel- 
lences, from which I would not detract in the slightest degree, it has 
also many defects, and some serious ones I am well satisfied, that have 
no relation to the ordinance of baptism — defects which ought to be 
remedied and not perpetuated. 

I had always hoped that the American and Foreign Bible Society 
would ultimately undertake the work of revising our English version. I 
think that a Bible Society is the proper body to perform such a work, or 
to secure its performance. It should be done by men of the highest 
standing for learning and piety that can be obtained in the world — men 
thoroughly versed, and critical students in the Scriptures. It should be 
deliberately and thoroughly done ; and when it is done, if any error can 
be pointed out by friend or foe, it should be at once corrected, until a 
version is obtained as near like the original as honesty of purpose, and 
human ability and industry, aided by the Holy Spirit can make it. But 
there is no body to which the charge and direction of the work belongf 
BO appropriately as to a Bible society. The American and Foreign Bib] 



APPENDIX n. 483 

Society was founded on right principles, and if those principles had been 
carried out in all languages, that Society would have furnished us with a 
revised version in English. I wish from my heart it had done so. That 
society has always been very dear to me. I have labored hard, and 
risked my life to promote its prosperity. I have contributed from my 
limited means towards the grand object of giving to the nations the pure 
unadulterated word of God, and have been enabled through the divine 
blessing, within the last year, to constitute twenty of my family life-mem- 
bers of that society. Nor do I regret what I have done. I only wish I 
had had it in my power to do more. For, although I have been disap- 
pointed and grieved by the recent movement of the society, in refusing 
to take any measures towards the work of revising the Scriptures in Eng- 
lish, and in declaring that it was beyond its province ever to perform or 
procure such a work, yet I feel no hostility towards the society, and shall 
most cordially and cheerfully do what I can consistently to promote its 
original and legitimate object — the distribution of God's word, plainly 
and completely translated into all the languages of the world. 

I am decidedly of the opinion that as the American and Foreign Bible 
Society declined the work of correcting our common English version, it 
was necessary to form a new society with this special object in view : 
and I feel gratified, on examining the Constitution and Address of the 
American Bible Union^ to find its principles and provisions so well 
adapted to the work which the providence of God has thrown upon our 
hands. I love union on Bible principles. "There is one body and one 
Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling ; one Lord^ one 
faith^ one immersion^ one God and Father of all, who is above all, and 
through all, and in you all." 

The only effectual way to secure Christian union is to be of one mind 
with God, and one mind with Christ ; and then we shall be of necessity 
of one mind with each other. And a correct and complete translation of 
God's word must tend greatly to produce this union. I have long been 
convinced that the immersion of infants in the Greek church, and the 
sprinkling of infants in the Roman and Protestant churches, are the 
grand barriers to Christian union. Christian union must be founded 
in the truth. It must be a holy union, a union of which Christ is the cen- 
tre. It must be the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The fruits 
and effects of such a union, founded in, and promoted by the truth, 
will be most blessed. 

It was once in my heart, to devote my life to the missionary work in 
the East Indies, but the providence of God diverted me from that field 
of labor, and perhaps, I have been enabled, through His abundant good- 
ness, to do even more for the heathen, by collecting means to send them 
the Holy Scriptures, than I could have done by spending my life among 
them. And my heart is still most deeply interested in the Bible cause * 



484 APPENDIX n. 

and I shall cheerfully continue to labor in its promotion, although far 
advanced in years, while life and health remain. 

I intend by this to signify my acceptance of the appointment as an 
agent which the Board of the American Bible Union has kindly ten- 
dered me ; and I trust the God of all truth and grace will abundantly 
bless our endeavors to obtain the requisite means, to procure faithful 
versions of his word, and to circulate the Holy Scriptures among all 
nations. 

I am, my dear brother, in the bonds of the gospel, 

Affectionately yours, 

Archibald Maclat. 



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